On Sunday, June 23, Stoughton United Methodist Church held a solar dedication event to celebrate their new solar array, which will cover 92% of the building’s annual energy use and offset 87% of the church’s annual electric costs. As a faith-based institution committed to welcoming all and building loving relationships that serve God, the church offers numerous community programs, including a food pantry, support for Ukrainian refugees, and programs for older adults. These initiatives reflect their mission to be good stewards of their resources.
To maximize these resources and amplify their impact, Stoughton United Methodist Church turned to solar to reduce operational costs and strengthen financial sustainability. The savings from their new solar array will allow the church to reallocate funds into other essential missions and ministries, furthering their positive impact on the community. By installing solar panels, the church also aspires to lead by example for its neighbors, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship and the well-being of future generations.
“Like so many in the faith community, our church is always looking for opportunities to better utilize limited resources,” said Lisa Urban, board chair at Stoughton United Methodist Church. “The installation of a solar array – and the cost savings it’s expected to generate – will play an important role in keeping us financially viable for years to come.”
The church’s new 24.42 kilowatt (kW) solar array, installed by Synergy Renewable Energy Systems, is set to produce approximately 32,632 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. The influence of neighbors installing a solar array of this size is significant, and Stoughton United Methodist Church exemplifies this idea. As the second church in Stoughton to install solar, they were inspired by their colleagues’ commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and hope to create a ripple effect, motivating others to follow suit.
The completion of Stoughton United Methodist Church’s solar project marks a major milestone in its journey towards sustainability and financial resilience. By embracing renewable energy, they are not only securing their future but also contributing to the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community betterment.
With the completion of its solar array, Stoughton United Methodist Church joins a community of over 200 nonprofits in Wisconsin who have made the same decision with the support of Solar for Good. Together, strides are being made towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.