St. Alban’s Parish in Washington, DC Installs Solar Panels on Roof of Parish Hall

There is a moral dimension to the energy choices we make, and, as conscientious individuals, we cannot ignore the impact our energy use has on the planet. The Rev. Scott Benhase, St. Alban’s Parish

St. Alban’s held an unusual service on November 15, 2009, The Blessing of the Solar Panels. The ceremony followed the installation of 76 panels to the roof of Satterlee Hall, located a stone’s throw from the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. The installation was an important component of a joint effort to turn the building into a clean energy generating station. The church leased their roof to an investor who teamed with a solar provider to install the system. The energy generated is sold to the local utility where it will help to power homes and businesses throughout the District. The care and maintenance of the roof panels is handled by the partner company.

In return for the use of the roof, St. Alban’s electric costs were locked into the current rate for 20 years. The installation also will help the church reduce its “carbon footprint”, the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product. While they still draw energy from traditional sources (mostly generated from burning coal), the amount of energy produced on the rooftop is greater than the amount they use.

The solar panels are outward and visible signs of a deeper conviction that through God’s grace we have encountered reconciliation. The solar panels are not our first steps into a green movement, but a symbol and a manifestation of our commitment to live reconciled lives not only with our neighbors, but, indeed, with all of creation. (...the St. Alban’s website)