The Sun Shines on Napa Valley Synagogue
SolarCraft announced the completion of a 35 kW solar panel system at Congregation Beth Shalom in Napa, CA. Designed and built by SolarCraft, the Napa Synagogue's photovoltaic system will reduce their carbon footprint while saving thousands in utility costs in the years to come.
SolarCraft introduced a new financing option very favorable for non-profits and Congregation Beth Shalom saw the sound financial returns. Essentially, the financing payments for the solar power are less than paying PG&E each month, allowing many houses of worship and spiritual communities to go solar. They can dramatically reduce their climate footprint, which is very congruent with their values, as well as saving them money, which allows them to provide the valuable services to the community.
"It was very important to our membership that our new synagogue be as green and sustainable as possible," said Paul Bloomberg, Congregation Member and Remodel Project Manager. "We are a non-profit so their favorable pricing package, allowing us tremendous cost savings from solar power will have a profound impact on our finances and allow us to focus our resources on our membership and programming. I was very impressed with their professionalism, excellent communication, and expertise. I was equally as happy when I selected Solar Craft for my personal residence!"
The solar photovoltaic system is mounted on multiple roof top locations and consists of 108 LG 320-watt solar panels. The system's solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity and is expected to generate approximately 42,508 kilowatt hours of energy annually, offsetting their PG&E bills by 98 % and providing clean energy to the Synagogue. Furthermore, Sonoma Clean Power's favorable rate for solar customers, which give credits for energy exported to the grid, will generate additional savings.
The system's solar electric panels allow the Congregation to generate enough electricity each day to spare the air nearly 67,000 lbs. of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the life of the system, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to eliminating over 2.7 million miles of driving, or planting 4.3 acres of trees.
About Congregation Beth Shalom
For over sixty years, Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley (known as CBS) has been the center of Jewish life in the Napa Valley. CBS had its beginnings during World War II as "The Napa Jewish Group", meeting in members' homes. Being the only synagogue in Napa County, they continue to provide a rich religious, educational, cultural and social experience for the increasing number of Jews who have settled here resulting in a congregation of over 300.
