Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church Is Reducing Carbon Emissions and Saving Money

By converting to solar power, we are making a difference to the environment every day.

Discover what our energy conversion means to the environment:

How it Works

Our new solar panel system replaces the electricity we previously purchased from Duke Energy Progress with clean energy that produces almost no carbon emissions (greenhouse gases).  This supports our Earth Care stewardship initiative.

When we make more than we need, it is pushed out to the energy grid. When we need more electricity than we produce, Duke Energy Progress provides it to us and charges it against the surplus of energy that we don’t use. We expect a zero balance at the end of the year. Our agreement does not allow us to profit from any excess energy that we produce.

The Cost and Savings Equation

Our system cost $68,200, of which Duke Energy Progress is paying $22,500—33%!  The balance was financed through a 10 year loan for $45,700 at an interest rate of 2.75% from a Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP) lending program called Restoring Creations Loan, created for churches to improve their sustainability. The loan was paid off in 2021.  The system should function for 30 years, providing us with 20 years of free electricity.

To monitor the church’s energy production and carbon avoidance, CLICK HERE.