The open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ in Burlington, Ma, is thrilled with their 31-kilowatt solar electrical system. Comprised of 104 Q CELLS solar panels across two rooftop arrays, the system generates clean solar electricity, controlling energy costs and increasing energy independence by reducing the need to purchase grid electricity generated by fossil fuel power plants. The solar panels generate enough kilowatt- hours of solar power to offset the burning of 29,866 pounds of coal each year.
The arrays also demonstrate the church's commitment to sustainability. UCC Burlington believes it is their responsibility to be good stewards of our planet, and that improving and protecting our environment is an act of love to our world - just as their mission statement says, "We strive to respond to the needs of our town and world with practical deeds of love."
ReVision Energy owns the system through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the church. The agreement allows UCC Burlington to harvest Massachusetts' abundant solar resource at no upfront cost. Under the terms of the PPA, the church pays a negotiated rate for electricity for the first six years of the agreement. At year seven, the church has an option to purchase the system at a significant discount. The system has a useful lifespan of around 40 years.
