Solar Panel Campaign
PATH TO SOLAR: Bright Hope for Tomorrow
Epiphany’s Path to Solar began many years ago as a vision of our Earth Guild. They believed that reducing our community’s energy consumption was both a fitting response to God’s care for creation and a compassionate witness to the wider world. Epiphany consulted with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) who conducted a Power-Wise Energy Audit and helped us identify measures for lowering our carbon footprint.
Since that time, we have implemented a number of those measures including moving away from single-use plastics and opting for reusable and recyclable alternatives, installing motion-activated light sensors, replacing our lightbulbs with LED bulbs, planting pollinator-friendly gardens using native plants, installing nearly 100 trees on the campus, composting food waste, and reducing the number of bulletins we print each week.
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In 2023 we engaged a solar consultant to help us begin considering options for a solar installation at Epiphany. They recommended a rooftop installation as the most efficient and cost-effective solution, and our vestry approved a proposal that we move forward with a bid process. GIPL facilitated interviews with three trusted solar firms and we identified Alternative Energy Southeast as our potential partners for this work.
Throughout our years-long discernment process, we have been inspired by the many other faith communities who are installing solar as a means of reducing their carbon footprints and caring for those most vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate.
Epiphany’s Path to Solar has led us where we are today and has given us Bright Hope for Tomorrow. Not only will installing solar be a witness to our care for God’s creation, it will further reduce our carbon emissions, serving as a lasting legacy for future generations.
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Our campaign goal is $50,000. We invite you to join us on our Path to Solar by making a pledge today
Click the button for a direct link to the pledge campaign form. You can also opt to make the pledge from your Realm account. If you don't have a Realm account and would like to register for one, please contact the parish office.
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REMINDER: Your online pledge just tells us what you intend to give and how often. If you also want to set up a recurring gift via ACH or Credit Card in Realm, you need to set that up using the +Give button under the GIVING tab.
As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of creation. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is a meaningful way we can live out our parish values while making a positive impact on the environment. Epiphany will set an example for the wider community, demonstrating how faith in action can work together for a more sustainable future.
After careful evaluation of several proposals, we have selected Atlanta-based Alternative Energy Southeast (AES) to bring Epiphany’s solar energy project to life. AES will utilize panels manufactured here in Georgia, at the massive Qcells plant in Dalton.
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The project involves installing 16 solar panels on the flat roof above the Parish Hall, hidden from the street and parking lot, in alignment with historic district guidelines.
The system is expected to reduce energy consumption by 13%, translating to an estimated annual energy savings of at least $2,020, or more if energy costs continue to rise. Installation, once scheduled, is expected to be completed quickly with minimal disruption to on-campus activities.
Over the 20+ year life cycle of the panels, the system pays for itself at the 10-year mark, after which we can expect 10 years of significant monthly savings to the parish.
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The projected cost of $49,277 includes solar panels and installation ($31,400), a contingency ($3,140), roof replacement, if necessary ($12,985), and a maintenance contract ($1,752). The project as presently conceived qualifies for a 30% post-project tax credit, reducing the cost to $34,493. While the future of the tax credit isn’t guaranteed, there’s never been a better time than now to embark on this project.
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Campaign kicks off on Earth Day, April 22. We will mark this exciting step forward together at our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, May 18.
We invite you to:
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Spread the word
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Engage and pray
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Together, we’ll create a brighter, more sustainable future. Thank you for your generosity and commitment.
Questions? Please reach out to the Rev. Carmie McDonald.
Panel Discussion
Follow up from "Path to Solar: A Panel Discussion," formation class held on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
You may watch the video of the program (which features Adam Hoyt, Senior Solar Consultant with Alternative Energy Southeast, and Kathy Hancock, who was instrumental in bringing solar to Oakhurst Presbyterian) by clicking the button below.
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