Tuesday, September 17, 2024
At the June semi-annual congregational meeting the following motion was approved
Motion: To authorize the Property Management Team to enter into agreements to install a solar array on the campus of Prince of Peace as proposed. The project will be financed using funds already dedicated for this purpose (approx. $42,000), up to $45,000 of undesignated Diestler estate funds, and up to $163,000 of Prince of Peace’s assets to cover the expenses related to preferred siting, installation, and project completion to be repaid with electric utility savings.
One challenge in accomplishing a large project of this nature is taking it one step at a time with the possibility that one hurdle can be cleared only to meet a new hurdle. When an earlier proposal for solar was approved, the next step was to find investors. The developer was unable to secure investors, so an alternative plan was prepared. That led to the motion approved on June 30. Now that a financing plan was in place the next steps include an engineering plan, submitting a proposal to Xcel Energy to verify adequate grid capabilities and seeking City of Roseville approval. The solar developer, Apadana, submitted plans to Xcel Energy and approached Roseville with the plans. Xcel Energy has approved our proposal, but the city of Roseville will not allow solar panels mounted on pillars on the parking lot. We do not fully understand the opposition but have looked at alternatives.
Apadana has provided an alternative that would place panels on our roof. The overall cost would be lower but the efficiency would be somewhat less. The payback/savings is still projected at about 8% which would make it financially feasible. We would not realize the expected lighting improvement or shade for areas of the parking lot, but we would still realize financial savings and be able to take this ecological action. The Council will bring any altered plans to the congregation for consideration before implementation can begin. Please stay tuned for details.