Glen Cairn United Church is going green with newly installed solar panels on the building’s roof.
Forty-four panels were installed last week, with hookup to the hydro grid set for Tuesday, Feb. 26. A committee of three church members has been working for the past 10 months to bring the project to light.
John Toft, chair of the solar panel committee, said he had the idea after installing the panels on his own roof.
“We thought it would be a good program for the church,” said Toft, who’s been a member of Glen Cairn United since 2001.
He created a committee along with Jim Power and Norman Desjardins, to look into the benefits of adding the green energy source.
“It will generate revenue,” said Toft of the solar panels. “Maybe we can do more outreach.”
CONTRACT
The church signed a 20-year contract with Hydro Ottawa, which will pay the church for the power it generates.
Toft said the initial cost of purchasing and installing the panels will be paid off within six years and the “profit from then on is profit for the church,” said Toft.
Glen Cairn United’s expected revenue is more than $6,700 a year from the energy it produces.
“With a 20-year contract, they’re going to be producing income as well as green power,” said Toft.
Moe Wright, chair of Glen Cairn United’s property committee, said Toft did great work.
“John really carried the whole project,” said Wright.