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Solar Power Project |
Immanuel is going solar! |
There have been several Forum hours, e-Blast updates, and announcements letting everyone know the plans, what we expect the benefits to be, the plan for funding, and when we expect the solar panels to be installed. From the Forum hours and other discussion, these are some Frequently Asked Questions we’ve heard that we hope will help everyone understand this exciting public commitment Immanuel is making to our Creation Care ministry.
1. Question: Why are we going solar?
Answer: To show a visible and public commitment to Creation Care, and to show ourselves and our community we believe in being true and faithful stewards of “this fragile earth, our island home” — that we understand the importance of setting an example to our children and our community to reduce carbon emissions.
We have a cross above our church to signal our commitment to the teachings of Christ—having solar panels on our roof shows a public commitment that we are taking action to reduce carbon emissions—and we hope others will follow.
Another benefit of going solar is to save the church an estimated $6500 every year in electricity bills. That savings is in today’s electricity rates. The price of electricity purchased from our provider, Dominion Energy, has risen by more than 20% in the last 15 years, so going solar will also help shield the church from future electricity price hikes.
Finally, it is possible the church may be able to get additional revenue through the new Virginia SREC initiative. Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) are a performance-based incentive that let a solar system’s owner earn additional income from solar electricity generation. Virginia’s SREC initiative is still being finalized; but our installer will make the appropriate connections so our church’s solar system can participate when the time is right.
2. Question: Who own the solar panels that will be installed on the roof of the Zabriskie Chapel and Parish Hall (Zabriskie Complex)?
Answer: Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill owns the solar system – from Day 1. Immanuel will continue to purchase some electricity from Dominion Energy, but the church’s solar panels will generate the majority of electricity it needs each year -- for at least 25 years and maybe longer.
3. Question: What will be installed?
Answer: Sustainable Energy Systems (SES), a well-known and reputable solar firm based in Frederick, MD, will soon install 191 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that are expected to generate at least 65,000 kWh annually, which represents 65 % of the electricity used by Zabriskie Complex each year. The solar panels are commercial grade 445-Watt PVs – which is currently top of the line for power generation.
4. Question: Where will the solar panels be installed?
Answer: On the roof of Zabriskie Complex—each of the four rooftop spaces will host solar panels. They will be visible especially on the north and east rooftops as people drive along Seminary Road or approach the church from Quaker Lane. In addition to being the most optimal place to generate electricity, this also makes the panels a visible commitment to our Creation Care ministry.
5. Question: When will the solar system be installed?
Answer: April 20, 2022: Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) has completed installation of the 191 445-W solar PV panels on Immanuel’s Zabriskie Chapel/Parish Hall four rooftop sections. The installation proceeded on time, at expected cost, and with no unplanned changes! The critter control devices have also been installed and supporting rails cut to match the profile of the collectors. Next steps are for SES to schedule an inspection by City Alexandria. Once that gate is cleared, SES will contact Dominion Energy to request they put Immanuel on their schedule to install the net meter. Once Dominion gets the net meter up and running, our new solar panels can start generating electricity for the church to use. We hope installation of the net meter will occur before the end of May, but this will be up to Dominion’s solar scheduler.
6. Question: How much did it cost and how did we finance the solar system? (Is there a “payback” period?)
Answer: Immanuel parishioners have donated the funds needed for the church to purchase and install the solar system—none of the costs for the solar system have come out of the church’s operating budget or trust funds. We did not need to finance it, and there is no “payback” period.
After two years of study, during which the Vestry commissioned a successful feasibility study, conducted a bid solicitation process, and engaged in a “quiet campaign” to gauge the willingness of parishioners to fund the project, the Vestry, on June 11, 2021, signed a contract with Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) to install the solar panels on the roof of the Zabriskie Complex. The SES contract base price is $163,000. Once some known add-ons are factored in (e.g., “squirrel guards” which are expected to cost about $4000, tree work, and required roof repairs), the total cost (including a contingency) comes to about $197,000. Of that amount, thanks to the quiet campaign, and bolstered by pledges received since the Solar Forum Hour (June 20, 2021), we now have pledges totaling $182,800, payable in 2021 and/or 2022. To close the gap, we are inviting all Immanuel families and individuals to join the campaign now. As an incentive, one of our pledgers has issued a “matching challenge,” under which the first $10,000 of new pledges will be matched dollar-for-dollar. For more information, or to receive a pledge form, please contact Doug John at djohn@jhenergy.com or 202-412-2138.
7. Question: What happens if the power goes out at the church? Does our solar system continue working?
Answer: If the power goes out, we lose power. Our solar system, like most, will be “net metered” which means any electricity our solar panels generate that is not first used by our church building, automatically flows back into the power grid; we are not storing it.
When the building needs electricity but is not generating it – at night, for example – power flows from the grid to the church building, like it always has.
For the excess electricity we generate and send to the grid, Dominion Energy gives us credit and charges us for the power we pull from the grid when we are not generating. This back – and - forth flow of power gets measured once a month. Dominion Energy then bills the “net” amount/cost owed when the monthly measurement is taken. Net metered systems use the power grid for storage. Because it’s set up this way (with no on-site storage), if an external event (storm, wind, etc.) causes the church building to lose power, we will lose power and our net-metered solar system will not generate any electricity.
Solar systems with on-site storage through large batteries have become available in the last few years; but they are far more expensive than net-metered systems. Over time, as battery technology improves and prices for battery storage come down, that might be something to consider. The good news is the church seldom loses power!
8. Question: What about the church’s roof structure – are there any concerns about that?
Answer: The Zabriskie Complex roof was inspected in 2020 by one of the solar companies competing for the contract and again by SES this past Summer. In both cases, the interior roof structure (think attic rafters and joists) was deemed structurally sound and sufficient to support the solar panel array. The roof was replaced in 2013, so its age is not considered a relevant factor. In fact, solar panels act as a protective layer on the roof and may result in a greater roof longevity. We are also purchasing a “critter guard” to prevent squirrels from getting into the panel area. In preparation for the solar installation, the Wardens engaged DBS Roofing to inspect the roof, which they installed in 2013. The roof condition, while sound, needed some additional work to re-secure a limited area of roof decking, replace and reseal the chapel's skylight covers, replace damaged shingles, and reseal the chimney flashing prior to installation of the panels. The Wardens also authorized additional steeple repairs to replace rotted wood and peeling paint in advance of the solar array installation. Because of the proposed location of the panels, the steeple will remain accessible when further repairs are required. With these changes, our roof is ready to support the solar panels.
9. Question: Do the trees around the Parish Hall impact the solar panels? Do any trees have to be removed for the solar panels?
Answer: One of the most pleasant aspects of the parish grounds are the many beautiful trees that surround Zabriskie Complex. As stewards of creation, we actively care for our trees—and in fact have just completed an assessment of how best to protect and keep them healthy. Some of the trees cast shade on parts of the roof; but the generation power and placement of the solar panels will mitigate majority of shading impact.
Trees have a lifespan; for example, the large oak tree in the Pumpkin Patch died and had to be taken down this past spring (2021) to preclude crashing during a storm and causing damage to the building.
Likewise, the oak tree just outside the parish hall entrance was damaged severely during a major wind storm several years ago and lost its top. It had been shedding major branches ever since, impacting the parish hall roof and had been targeted for removal for some time. Given its deteriorating condition and additional threat to rooftop solar panels, the Building and Grounds Committee elected to remove it during summer 2021, ahead of the solar installation.
There are also other good reasons to take down trees. The magnolia tree on the east side of the building near the steps leading down to the chapel lower level (near the parking lot) was removed in 2018 because its roots and leaves were clogging underground drains and contributing to basement flooding. The Committee will continue routine tree trimming—which would happen with or without solar panels. As for the many other healthy trees around the complex, we expect to care for and protect them for the rest of their natural lives.
10. Question: Where are the solar panels we are purchasing made?
Answer: We are purchasing REC Alpha solar panels. REC Group is Europe's largest manufacturer of solar panels, and has offices in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia. The company was founded in Norway in 1996 and manufactures its solar panels in Singapore.
11. Question: When will we know what actual solar electricity generation is (kWh) and actual savings ($) are?
Answer: We will begin measuring the amount of electricity generated once the system is operational, via an application supplied by the vendor. Because November – February are the months with shortest days/least sunlight; they will be the months of the year with the lowest solar electricity production.
The solar panels will generate the most electricity in spring, summer, and early fall (March-October). It will take a complete year of monitoring both the solar electricity production and checking our Dominion bills to get the actual generation and dollar numbers. Once we have a complete year of measures, we will share that information.
Answer: To show a visible and public commitment to Creation Care, and to show ourselves and our community we believe in being true and faithful stewards of “this fragile earth, our island home” — that we understand the importance of setting an example to our children and our community to reduce carbon emissions.
We have a cross above our church to signal our commitment to the teachings of Christ—having solar panels on our roof shows a public commitment that we are taking action to reduce carbon emissions—and we hope others will follow.
Another benefit of going solar is to save the church an estimated $6500 every year in electricity bills. That savings is in today’s electricity rates. The price of electricity purchased from our provider, Dominion Energy, has risen by more than 20% in the last 15 years, so going solar will also help shield the church from future electricity price hikes.
Finally, it is possible the church may be able to get additional revenue through the new Virginia SREC initiative. Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) are a performance-based incentive that let a solar system’s owner earn additional income from solar electricity generation. Virginia’s SREC initiative is still being finalized; but our installer will make the appropriate connections so our church’s solar system can participate when the time is right.
2. Question: Who own the solar panels that will be installed on the roof of the Zabriskie Chapel and Parish Hall (Zabriskie Complex)?
Answer: Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill owns the solar system – from Day 1. Immanuel will continue to purchase some electricity from Dominion Energy, but the church’s solar panels will generate the majority of electricity it needs each year -- for at least 25 years and maybe longer.
3. Question: What will be installed?
Answer: Sustainable Energy Systems (SES), a well-known and reputable solar firm based in Frederick, MD, will soon install 191 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that are expected to generate at least 65,000 kWh annually, which represents 65 % of the electricity used by Zabriskie Complex each year. The solar panels are commercial grade 445-Watt PVs – which is currently top of the line for power generation.
4. Question: Where will the solar panels be installed?
Answer: On the roof of Zabriskie Complex—each of the four rooftop spaces will host solar panels. They will be visible especially on the north and east rooftops as people drive along Seminary Road or approach the church from Quaker Lane. In addition to being the most optimal place to generate electricity, this also makes the panels a visible commitment to our Creation Care ministry.
5. Question: When will the solar system be installed?
Answer: April 20, 2022: Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) has completed installation of the 191 445-W solar PV panels on Immanuel’s Zabriskie Chapel/Parish Hall four rooftop sections. The installation proceeded on time, at expected cost, and with no unplanned changes! The critter control devices have also been installed and supporting rails cut to match the profile of the collectors. Next steps are for SES to schedule an inspection by City Alexandria. Once that gate is cleared, SES will contact Dominion Energy to request they put Immanuel on their schedule to install the net meter. Once Dominion gets the net meter up and running, our new solar panels can start generating electricity for the church to use. We hope installation of the net meter will occur before the end of May, but this will be up to Dominion’s solar scheduler.
6. Question: How much did it cost and how did we finance the solar system? (Is there a “payback” period?)
Answer: Immanuel parishioners have donated the funds needed for the church to purchase and install the solar system—none of the costs for the solar system have come out of the church’s operating budget or trust funds. We did not need to finance it, and there is no “payback” period.
After two years of study, during which the Vestry commissioned a successful feasibility study, conducted a bid solicitation process, and engaged in a “quiet campaign” to gauge the willingness of parishioners to fund the project, the Vestry, on June 11, 2021, signed a contract with Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) to install the solar panels on the roof of the Zabriskie Complex. The SES contract base price is $163,000. Once some known add-ons are factored in (e.g., “squirrel guards” which are expected to cost about $4000, tree work, and required roof repairs), the total cost (including a contingency) comes to about $197,000. Of that amount, thanks to the quiet campaign, and bolstered by pledges received since the Solar Forum Hour (June 20, 2021), we now have pledges totaling $182,800, payable in 2021 and/or 2022. To close the gap, we are inviting all Immanuel families and individuals to join the campaign now. As an incentive, one of our pledgers has issued a “matching challenge,” under which the first $10,000 of new pledges will be matched dollar-for-dollar. For more information, or to receive a pledge form, please contact Doug John at djohn@jhenergy.com or 202-412-2138.
7. Question: What happens if the power goes out at the church? Does our solar system continue working?
Answer: If the power goes out, we lose power. Our solar system, like most, will be “net metered” which means any electricity our solar panels generate that is not first used by our church building, automatically flows back into the power grid; we are not storing it.
When the building needs electricity but is not generating it – at night, for example – power flows from the grid to the church building, like it always has.
For the excess electricity we generate and send to the grid, Dominion Energy gives us credit and charges us for the power we pull from the grid when we are not generating. This back – and - forth flow of power gets measured once a month. Dominion Energy then bills the “net” amount/cost owed when the monthly measurement is taken. Net metered systems use the power grid for storage. Because it’s set up this way (with no on-site storage), if an external event (storm, wind, etc.) causes the church building to lose power, we will lose power and our net-metered solar system will not generate any electricity.
Solar systems with on-site storage through large batteries have become available in the last few years; but they are far more expensive than net-metered systems. Over time, as battery technology improves and prices for battery storage come down, that might be something to consider. The good news is the church seldom loses power!
8. Question: What about the church’s roof structure – are there any concerns about that?
Answer: The Zabriskie Complex roof was inspected in 2020 by one of the solar companies competing for the contract and again by SES this past Summer. In both cases, the interior roof structure (think attic rafters and joists) was deemed structurally sound and sufficient to support the solar panel array. The roof was replaced in 2013, so its age is not considered a relevant factor. In fact, solar panels act as a protective layer on the roof and may result in a greater roof longevity. We are also purchasing a “critter guard” to prevent squirrels from getting into the panel area. In preparation for the solar installation, the Wardens engaged DBS Roofing to inspect the roof, which they installed in 2013. The roof condition, while sound, needed some additional work to re-secure a limited area of roof decking, replace and reseal the chapel's skylight covers, replace damaged shingles, and reseal the chimney flashing prior to installation of the panels. The Wardens also authorized additional steeple repairs to replace rotted wood and peeling paint in advance of the solar array installation. Because of the proposed location of the panels, the steeple will remain accessible when further repairs are required. With these changes, our roof is ready to support the solar panels.
9. Question: Do the trees around the Parish Hall impact the solar panels? Do any trees have to be removed for the solar panels?
Answer: One of the most pleasant aspects of the parish grounds are the many beautiful trees that surround Zabriskie Complex. As stewards of creation, we actively care for our trees—and in fact have just completed an assessment of how best to protect and keep them healthy. Some of the trees cast shade on parts of the roof; but the generation power and placement of the solar panels will mitigate majority of shading impact.
Trees have a lifespan; for example, the large oak tree in the Pumpkin Patch died and had to be taken down this past spring (2021) to preclude crashing during a storm and causing damage to the building.
Likewise, the oak tree just outside the parish hall entrance was damaged severely during a major wind storm several years ago and lost its top. It had been shedding major branches ever since, impacting the parish hall roof and had been targeted for removal for some time. Given its deteriorating condition and additional threat to rooftop solar panels, the Building and Grounds Committee elected to remove it during summer 2021, ahead of the solar installation.
There are also other good reasons to take down trees. The magnolia tree on the east side of the building near the steps leading down to the chapel lower level (near the parking lot) was removed in 2018 because its roots and leaves were clogging underground drains and contributing to basement flooding. The Committee will continue routine tree trimming—which would happen with or without solar panels. As for the many other healthy trees around the complex, we expect to care for and protect them for the rest of their natural lives.
10. Question: Where are the solar panels we are purchasing made?
Answer: We are purchasing REC Alpha solar panels. REC Group is Europe's largest manufacturer of solar panels, and has offices in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia. The company was founded in Norway in 1996 and manufactures its solar panels in Singapore.
11. Question: When will we know what actual solar electricity generation is (kWh) and actual savings ($) are?
Answer: We will begin measuring the amount of electricity generated once the system is operational, via an application supplied by the vendor. Because November – February are the months with shortest days/least sunlight; they will be the months of the year with the lowest solar electricity production.
The solar panels will generate the most electricity in spring, summer, and early fall (March-October). It will take a complete year of monitoring both the solar electricity production and checking our Dominion bills to get the actual generation and dollar numbers. Once we have a complete year of measures, we will share that information.