Novato Church Goes Solar and Cuts Energy Expenses
Novato and Sonoma based SolarCraft, a leading North Bay solar installer for over 35 years, recently completed the installation of a 111 kW DC solar system at New Life Christian Center in Novato, CA. The system is designed to offset close to 93% of their annual utility bills for the church and school facilities. New Life is reducing their operating costs by thousands every month and stabilizing energy expenses for decades to come.
The solar power system is roof mounted for maximum southern sun exposure and consists of 309 high-efficiency solar panels, producing 155,996 kWh annually. Excess power generated during the day is banked by PG&E for credit towards future use. "It was great working with a local company that was flexible to our facility demands as both a church and school. SolarCraft had exceptional staff that was a pleasure to work with throughout all phases of installation" added Christopher Mychajluk, Head of School.
The church is displaying community leadership by promoting environmental responsibility through the implementation of the solar photovoltaic system, but also recognizes the importance of managing operation costs wherever possible. Caleb Klinge, Lead Pastor New Life Church added "We're thrilled to take this significant step towards better environmental and financial stewardship, and SolarCraft was a delight to work with."
SolarCraft presented very favorable financing options, which allow non-profits to benefit from federal incentives. With a lease or PPA, the provider is able to monetize federal incentives and passes the benefits through to non-profits via lower lease payments, or as in a PPA, lower contracted utility rates. Additionally, leases and PPAs are designed to minimize or eliminate initial up-front costs, making solar immediately affordable for non-profits that want to be green.
During the life of the system, over 6 million pounds of carbon dioxide generated by New Life Christian Center's operations will be eliminated. This impact is equivalent to removing air pollution produced by nearly 10 million miles of driving over 25 years or the pollutants removed by 53 acres of trees in one year.
About New Life Christian Center & Marin Christian Academy
New Life Christian Center facility is shared by New Life Church and Marin Christian Academy, located in Novato, CA. New Life Church is multi-ethnic, multi-generational congregation that was founded in Novato in 1957. They are passionate about reaching the North Bay with the love of Jesus Christ. The church is associated with the Assemblies of God (AG). Marin Christian Academy is an accredited, independent, faith-centered school for students in preschool through 12th grade. Throughout the school's 40-year history, MCA has remained dedicated to educational excellence in a nurturing and biblical environment.
SolarCraft is 100% Employee-Owned and one of the largest green-tech employers based in the North Bay for over
35 years. SolarCraft delivers Clean Energy Solutions for homes and businesses including Solar Electric, Solar Pool Heating and Battery / Energy Storage. With over 7,000 customers, our team of dedicated employee-partners is proud to have installed more solar energy systems than any other company in the North Bay. www.solarcraft.com.
