Celebrating Clean Energy: St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church Goes Solar

St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church in Los Osos recently joined the ranks of over 500 nonprofit organizations to celebrate the power of clean energy with the installation of solar panels. This event, held on SunDay, September 21, was more than just a local gathering; it was part of a significant day of action happening simultaneously across the United States to highlight the importance of renewable energy sources.

A Blessing for Solar Power

During the event, the church’s priest, Linzi Stahlecker, blessed the new solar panels in a ceremony attended by community members. They gathered not just to witness the blessing, but to take photos and celebrate their commitment to sustainability. The event was infused with a sense of camaraderie and collective responsibility, resonating with a nationwide initiative that saw 450 similar events occur across the country.

A Commitment to Stewardship

The decision to install solar panels stemmed from the church’s desire to demonstrate good stewardship and responsibility towards the environment. Don Maruska, a dedicated member of both the congregation and the church’s EarthCare group, emphasizes this commitment to sustainability. “Good stewardship involves walking lightly on the earth,” Maruska remarked. He added that, despite the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, transitioning to solar energy is both environmentally and economically viable.

The solar panels, installed last December, represent a major leap towards reducing the church’s carbon footprint. Over the lifespan of the project, St. Benedict’s is projected to save $137,000 on electricity bills and prevent nearly 449,000 pounds of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. This significant reduction underscores why faith-based organizations are taking climate action seriously.

Overcoming Challenges

The solar project faced its share of challenges before it could become a reality. Initial approvals from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) were delayed due to requirements for a new roof. Michael Lucas, a long-serving church member and Cal Poly architecture professor, volunteered his architectural expertise for the project, ensuring the new roof would last over 20 years.

The financial aspect also posed challenges; however, the church found relief through tax credits for solar installations made available under the Biden administration. As a religious organization, St. Benedict’s didn’t qualify for those credits directly, leading them to partner with RE-volv, a clean energy access organization. RE-volv assists nonprofits—especially churches—in forming companies that can take advantage of these tax incentives.

Broadening Environmental Consciousness

Beyond the solar panels, St. Benedict’s has integrated various environmentally sound practices into its operations. According to Maruska, the church has discontinued the use of disposable items in events, reduced water heater usage to prevent excess energy consumption, and planted trees on their grounds. These efforts illustrate the community’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

The Role of Faith-Based Organizations

Maruska reflects a growing sentiment among faith-based organizations regarding their role in fostering ecological responsibility. “It’s critically important that community groups of all types, particularly faith-based groups, demonstrate good stewardship,” he said. With federal resistance to climate action, these organizations stand at the forefront of necessary changes, showcasing how local efforts can contribute to global solutions.

Community Engagement and Future Events

The commitment of St. Benedict’s extends beyond renewable energy. It actively engages the community in various initiatives, such as their upcoming fourth annual walk for cancer hosted by the Cancer Support Community California Central Coast. Scheduled for October 26, this event not only raises funds for breast cancer awareness but also brings the community together for a purpose.

St. Benedict’s efforts highlight the intersection of faith, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. Through local actions and global awareness, they demonstrate that change is possible when individuals and organizations come together for a common cause.