East Bay Church One of Many to Go Solar with Diocese of Oakland Solar Program
Novato and Sonoma based SolarCraft, a leading North Bay solar installer for over 35 years, recently completed the installation of a 133 kW DC solar system at St. Anne Catholic Church in Byron, CA. The system is designed to provide over 90% of their annual electrical needs for the church facilities. St. Anne 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 sun exposure and consists of 379 high-efficiency solar panels, producing 197,873 kWh annually. Excess power generated during the day is banked by PG&E for credit towards future use when the sun isn't shining.
The solar installation at St. Anne church is one of many planned through the Diocese of Oakland Solar Energy Program for Parishes and Schools, displaying community leadership by promoting environmental responsibility through the implementation of renewable energy, but also recognizing the importance of managing operation costs.
"Our goal is to make our part of the world in east Contra Costa County a better place. We seek to serve the needs of the young and the old, the poor and disenfranchised," said Father Ronald Schmit. "One of the areas of great need is our mother the earth. We have moved to make our facilities energy efficient and to use solar energy not to just save money. We do these things because it is our responsibility to take care of the natural world. It is good and moral to reduce our carbon footprint on our God-given planet."
California Clean Energy (CCE), a Renewable Energy Service Provider for nonprofit organizations, will own the system and recover its costs through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the church. A PPA is an alternative to purchasing or financing your own solar power system, providing nonprofits the opportunity to utilize clean solar energy with no up-front costs and no system operation, maintenance, and replacement costs. Customers also benefit from pre-set electricity prices which will never increase.
Every year over 140 metric tons of carbon dioxide generated by St. Anne's operations will be eliminated. This impact is equivalent to removing air pollution produced by over 8.5 million miles of driving over 25 years or the pollutants removed by 165 acres of trees in one year.
About St. Anne Catholic Church
To help you face the end of life with dignity and comfort, Hospice by the Bay will care for you wherever you call home - a family residence, assisted living, a nursing facility or the hospital. Found in 1975 as Hospice of Marin, they are pioneers in their field - the first hospice in California and the second in the United States. Their Care Team approach set the standard for hospice care across the country. To enhance their hospice, palliative and pediatric care, they offer community grief support services, free advance health care planning workshops and estate planning seminars.
St. Anne Catholic Church is a multi-cultural Christ-centered welcoming community with a mission to serve the needs of not only Catholics but to be of service to all people of good will. Many sacred services are provided, such as Baptisms, First communion, reconciliation, confirmation for youth and adults. The church also offers other services including marriage, rite of Christian initiation for adults, communion to the sick and viaticum/last rites and organizes a variety of events and community gatherings. www.solarcraft.com.
