Renewable Energy Options for Churches & Places of Worship

Houses of worship and religious organizations use a substantial amount of electricity. Increasingly, they are implementing renewable energy solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and foster environmental stewardship in their community. For example, if a church spends £1,000 a month on electric bills, they could offset that expense by using solar energy. This is the same as planting over one thousand trees a year.

Many faith communities are becoming more aware of the impacts of climate change. Increasing renewable energy sources will help faith institutions become more sustainable and reduce utility bills. You can learn more about renewable energy for churches and places of worship at English Heritage’s website. Here are some of the benefits of solar panels on churches: The panels will reduce heating and cooling costs, and increase the comfort and beauty of your worship space.

Renewable energy for places of worship can also help churches lower their utility bills. By installing solar panels on the roof, a church can save about 30 percent of its current energy consumption. The money saved will support the mission and ministry of the congregation. This type of technology is also good for the environment, reducing pollution, protecting life-sustaining ecosystems, and conserving resources for future generations. Additionally, it is beneficial to human health, as well as the environment.

Different Kinds of Renewable Energy For Churches

If you’re looking for renewable energy for churches, you’ll be happy to know there are several options. Some congregations install solar panels, while others opt for a conventional hook-up. Solar panels use electricity generated by the sun as a fuel. This energy is then sent back to the electricity grid, which acts like a giant battery. Regardless of how you generate your energy, you’ll still receive a monthly bill from your usual supplier.

There are many types of renewable energy available for churches. The most common type is solar panels. These panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The congregation can then use the electricity. In the event that the congregation uses more electricity than the solar system can produce, the electricity is sent backward through net-metering. In some cases, you can also earn tax credits for your donation, which you can use on your federal tax return.

A solar power system is an excellent option for a church that needs to reduce its electricity bills. While solar panels generate a variable amount of energy, churches are unlikely to use all of it right away. However, they can store excess energy and benefit from net-metering. This is particularly important for nonprofit organizations that don’t pay federal income taxes or invest in other businesses. And since solar panels are free, churches don’t have to worry about paying tax unless they use their own generated energy.

Solar PV for Churches

Many congregations are considering renewable energy generation for their buildings. For many churches, the decision is motivated by a commitment to carbon reduction and a financial assessment of the revenue potential of solar PV.

But for others, the idea may be more than the ethical motivation. The interest in solar panels for churches is also fuelled by the desire to reduce their energy costs. And a solar array can be an excellent way to achieve both of these goals.

The church had already been evaluating solar installation options when the Sustainability Committee asked for bids. It was a simple task, but a difficult one. The church had a budget and a risk-reward analysis to perform, and the winning proposal matched the requirements set forth in the sustainability plan. The church’s financial projections also reflected the cost of the system, so it was necessary to determine whether solar was the best option for the congregation.

As a nonprofit, solar energy can help religious institutions reduce their utility bills. By generating their own renewable energy, churches can sell SRECs, which are certificates proving that they have installed solar panels. It is important to secure the best financial deal and to choose the right installers to ensure that the installation is a success. Using a professional company can help religious institutions obtain a solar network and start earning from it.

Heat Pumps For Churches

The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme has led to a significant increase in heat pump installations in churches. Because the heating requirements for churches are typically low and slow, ground source heat pumps are the ideal solution. These systems help maintain a steady temperature within the fabric of the building, which is ideal for the conservation grade requirements. Moreover, they take advantage of the thermal mass of the building to deliver heat evenly throughout the building.

The system works by sucking in warm air and releasing it as cold air. The heat exchanger will move cold air and hot air through a condenser. The unit will then pressurize the refrigerant and remove the heat from the air. A fan will then push warm air through the ducts. If the temperature in the building drops below the desired setting, the compressor will turn on, raising the temperature in the building.

Because of its size and limited space, ground source heat pumps are not a practical solution for larger churches. For instance, churches built before the Industrial Revolution have limited space to dig, while a church built in 1735 will require a system with between 30 and 80 kW of output. Similarly, a smaller permanent heat pump requires an area near the building for water tubes and a properly sized heating distribution system.

Biomass Heating For Churches

There are now biomass boilers being installed at two local churches. St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Birkenhead is switching on its new boiler this week, and St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Blacon will be installing one later this year.

Both churches have been using old, inefficient oil boilers for many years, and are now opting for an environmentally friendly alternative. Because they run on renewable resources, they are free of installation and maintenance costs, and will generate a substantial income for the church. They will only need to pay for the heat that they use for the next 20 years, at a rate significantly lower than previous bills.

The installation of the biomass boiler was not without its challenges. The church was required to obtain planning permission for the project, but once the project was completed, the company was able to supply and install the boiler.

The company was able to install the biomass boiler in the school’s playground, which was equidistant from the church. The location was ideal for road delivery of the pellet fuel, and the heating main could be connected easily.

The installation process was relatively straightforward, but there were a few key considerations. First, the installation is highly visible.

Most biomass boilers have a large flue, which emits smoke and water vapour. The installation of the chimney and flue requires careful planning, and the biomass boiler should not block the view of the building. Secondly, the building must have a lining, and a proper ventilation system should be installed for the biomass boiler to function properly.

Funding & Charitable Grants For Churches Who Want Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy to power a building is a good way for a church to save money. A solar array can save the organization about £2,000 a year, which could mean more meals for the hungry and free tuition for 30 children. It can also increase community awareness and mobilize donations. A solar array will help your church stay afloat and generate publicity, while reducing your energy costs.

Nonprofits spend billions of dollars each year on energy costs, and typically account for five to seven percent of their annual budgets. Unfortunately, nonprofits are not eligible for many tax incentives that encourage energy efficiency.

Fortunately, faith-based organizations can help teach congregants about energy efficiency, which they can then influence in homes and businesses. By implementing these solutions, you can save money while reducing your environmental impact and helping your church save money and the environment.

Nonprofits can use renewable energy to help their community. With a solar array, your church can generate green power while saving money on energy bills. The solar panels will provide you with a tax deduction. Whether your church is a religious institution or a nonprofit, you can apply for a grant that will help them make a solar panel installation. There are several different ways to go about finding a solar grant for your nonprofit. By searching online and reading reviews, you can find the funding you need to start a project.

Reducing Your Church Or Place of Worship’s Energy Bills

Reducing your church or place of worship’s energy bills is important if you want to stay within your budget. Your buildings will have to remain open 24 hours a day seven days a week.

However, there are steps you can take to lower your electricity and gas bills. If you have a limited budget, look at making simple changes to reduce energy consumption. One of the easiest ways to save money on energy is to use compact fluorescent lightbulbs. If you cannot afford to replace them, consider installing occupancy sensors or timers. Finally, avoid using plug loads, which continue to draw power even after they are turned off.

Changing the way you use energy can save you money. Almost 70 percent of your church’s energy bill goes towards heating.

You can reduce the costs of heating by switching to more efficient equipment, installing timers on your HVAC systems, and closing windows and doors to limit the amount of natural sunlight that enters the building. Many churches have charitable status, which can help them save money on their energy bills.

If you are concerned about your energy bill, you can look into getting a Net Zero Environmental Stewardship Assessment. This report is designed to identify potential opportunities for reducing your church’s energy costs. It will look at your energy consumption and behavior as well as HVAC systems and building envelope.

You can also check out different utilities and choose the most efficient one for your church or place of worship. If you are unsure, you can start by reading a workbook on Energy Star for Congregations. It will give you a better idea of what you can do.

Differences in Marian Devotions Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox…

Devotion or Worship?

Many non-Catholics wrongly believe that devotion to Mary is idol worship. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sadly, as hard as we try, Catholics do not seem to be able to help our Protestant brethren understand that devotion to Our Lady is not worshiping her.

What is Devotion to Mary?

Devotions to Mary are religious practices that are focused on honoring Mary as the Mother of God. Depending upon the denomination and tradition, these devotions may be practiced differently, but each honors her as the Mother of God. Orthodox Christians beautifully refer to Mary as Theotokos, the Greek word for Mother of God or God-Bearer.  

Marian devotions are practiced by Roman Catholics, Anglican Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, and High Church Lutherans.

Mary, Our Mother

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

~John 19:26-27~

We understand this to mean that, as He was dying on the cross, Jesus, in giving Mary to Saint John as his mother, was giving His mother to all mankind as our mother. As our heavenly mother, we go to her asking her intercession. We see her as our Protectress, and we entrust ourselves to her motherly love.

“As a final gift, right before He died, He gave His mother to His whole family, through giving her to the beloved disciple John. This was a gift for all of us, an exchange, and an expansion of the family circle of relationship. In this exchange, the tradition has long taught, He also entrusted all of us to her maternal care. Jesus was not minimizing His relationship with His mother through these words given in response to the crowd, He was expanding it. He hungers, through Divine Love, to include all of us in the “family circle” of God.”

~Deacon Keith Fournier~

Different Devotions

For Roman Catholics, devotions to Our Lady are practiced in many ways. First and foremost is the Marian rosary, sometimes referred to as Mary’s Psalter. The rosary is, in actuality, a Christocentric prayer; a prayer that takes us through the life of Jesus with His mother. 

There are novenas and other devotional prayers, many focused upon one of Mary’s many titles. Other pious acts may include a Marian Garden, placing flowers by a statue of Mary in your home, or wearing a scapular.

Anglican devotions to Mary include the Anglican Rosary (similar to the Catholic rosary), votive candles, and pilgrimages to Walsingham and Lourdes. For centuries, Our Lady of Walsingham has been central in Anglican devotions to Mary. Its feast is celebrated on October 15 while Catholics celebrate it on September 24. In addition, Anglican cathedrals and churches have side altars dedicated to Our lady.

Eastern Catholics venerate icons while Orthodox Marian devotions are deeply connected to the Liturgy.

These devotions often include a request for Mary’s intercession. 

Mary is not Equal to God

It is important to remember that Marian devotions are not worship.

Although Catholics love and honor Mary, worship is given to God alone. Both the Catholic and Orthodox faiths see Our Lady as lesser than Jesus but above all other beings. 

In 787 the Second Council of Nicaea affirmed a three-level hierarchy of latria, hyperdulia, and dulia that applies to God, the Virgin Mary, and then to the other saints.

“In this magnanimity and generosity in suffering, she is, as compared with the Apostles, fitly imaged as a Tower. But towers, it may be said, are huge, rough, heavy, obtrusive, graceless structures, for the purposes of war, not of peace; with nothing of the beautifulness, refinement, and finish which are conspicuous in Mary. It is true: therefore she is called the Tower of Ivory, to suggest to us, by the brightness, purity, and exquisiteness of that material, how transcendent is the loveliness and the gentleness of the Mother of God.” 

~Saint John Henry Newman~

Marilyn Nash for Holyart.com 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_devotions

http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=47749

https://slife.org/marian-devotions/