We’ll be celebrating Sun Day— a day when people across the nation are celebrating the power of the sun to provide electricity for our homes, businesses and churches. We invite those who have added solar panels to their homes to join us in Fellowship Hall to share your experiences with those who might be interested. Everyone is invited to learn more about our Solar Array and the Climate Urgency Sub-Group of our UUMFE committee. Those wanting to learn more about Sun Day and the opportunities for solar power can check out https://thirdact.org/sun-day/ and read Bill McKibben’s new book, Here Comes the Sun.
UUCC Solar Array
The solar array began operation in July 2012. Through August 2025 they have generated 1.1 million kwh.
· The solar array is 91.2 kilowatts.
· There are 380 solar modules that are 240 watts each. The rows of solar modules are tilted to capture greater amounts of sunlight.
· The carport includes an electric car charging station.
· It provides shade for 38 spaces
· It is 176 feet long, 19 feet high with 13.6 feet of clearance at the lowest point on the South side and 17 feet on the North side.
The $500,000 array was designed and installed by Bold Alternatives of Cleveland, OH at no cost to then First Unitarian Church. First U paid for electricity at a rate less than that charged by CEI. In 2021 the array was given to UUCC so there is now no charge for electricity but the congregation is responsible for maintenance.
CEI uses “net metering”, so in the summer when we generate more power than we use we sell the excess to CEI. In the winter, we end up buying the difference between what the panels generate and what we use.
Don Stimpert and David Kantor were responsible for negotiating with Better Together at the time of the gift in 2021. Don provided information about the current status.
Starting January 2022 (3.5 years) UUCC owned the panels. We are responsible for repairs, and we (eventually) receive the carbon offset credits, worth about approximately $3000 per year. During this period, the panels have generated 312,000 kwh and the building has used 307,000 kwh.
During 24 of those months we were a net seller of 86,000 kwh out of the 232,000 kwh that were generated. We paid CEI $2800 during these months. There were 20 months where we were a net buyer—the panels generated 79,000 kwh but we had to buy an additional 81,000. We paid CEI about $15,000 during these months. Assuming 17 cents per kwh (rates have gone up), for the summer months we have paid $2800 vs $24,800 without the panels. During the winter months we have paid $15,000 vs $27,000 if we had no panels. Total savings about $36,000, or $10,000 per year.
This does not include the carbon offset credits. But with the inverters reaching end of life, it’s expected that over the next 5 to 10 years we will spend the carbon offset money on inverter replacements.
The panels have an estimated lifespan of about 30 years, so although their efficiency drops slightly as they age, there is no reason to consider replacing the panels for quite some time. However, the inverters that convert the panel power into AC power have an expected lifespan of 15 years, so they are due. We have 8 of them. We replaced one inverter about a year ago (approximately $2500), and it looks like one or two of them are not working today. Also, we had to replace the car charger unit a few years ago, that cost us about $3000.
The panels should be good for at least another 10 years, and can be replaced individually as needed. Over that 10 year period we likely will need to replace the 7 inverters that are still originals, and the car charging station as well.
Gutter-and-cistern system: The array provides the framework for collecting 2,600 gallons of rain water. The system, Installed in spring 2013 thanks to a grant from the Northeast Ohio Sewer District provides water for the permaculture garden.
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