We are pleased to announce that after many tries, all the key elements are aligning, and it is time to put some solar panels on the roof and tell the world that St. John’s is committed to a sustainable future. Not only will we offset our energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint, but we will also be supporting a clean energy future, supporting jobs in the clean energy sector and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Over the years we have collected bids from a number of solar installers but did not move forward with these projects because the bids were high, the roof needed replacement, the cash was not on hand, or the payback was unreasonable and there were no incentives to move forward. Now we are in a position with a fresh new roof, a competitive bid, some funds on hand, and Federal, Xcel, and city incentives to make it even more feasible.
As for the payback, a significant portion of our utility budget (about $9,000/year) will become available for other uses.
How did we decide to move forward?
Support of the vestry, finance committee and the congregation. In August and September, the finance committee did a comprehensive review of the available bids and determined that it would be financially feasible for St. John’s to install the panels; they recommended to the vestry that we pursue the cash option bid. Over the last few weeks, we have supplied general information about the project thru the e-news and bulletin board. Buff Grace from MNIPL was our guest speaker at a Sunday morning community forum on September 28 where he explained a lot the specific details about the project and answered numerous questions. Numerous announcements about the project were made during the Sunday morning services. The vestry unanimously concluded that congregational support is strong and that we should proceed
Support of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN). Since the diocese “owns” the property, they needed to approve this addition. They have agreed that it makes sense to add solar panels and have approved the project.
Financial incentives. Of primary significance is a federal tax incentive created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). When the “big beautiful bill” was signed, Congress stipulated that while there was a sunset on the IRA, they would continue to support commercial projects started by the end of the year. The federal incentives will cover about 30% of the costs. “Beginning the project” includes signing a contract and paying 10% of the project before December 31, 2025. Other incentives and grants are from Xcel and the city and will come after the project is completed.
Available funds. We have savings on hand from a variety of sources adequate to cover the cost of the project. Although we will be conducting a capital campaign in the next year to fund other needed and desired building repair and improvements, we have determined that this aligns with our values. Because of the timing of the tax incentive expiring, we decided to move forward with this project now. Our financial situation looks strong, and although spending the money on the solar panels could ultimately reduce the amount of money we are able to spend on other projects, we determined it was enough of a priority to move forward with it regardless.
In summary, support of the congregation, the vestry, and the diocese is in place, we have the funds for the project, and the incentives are strong. We’re going solar.
If you have questions about this project, please feel free to contact Sarah Parker, chair of our Earth Matters team; Heidi Weaver, our Senior Warden; or our Rector Lisa Wiens Heinsohn.
