Norwood United Church goes green
Where we came from is arguably just as important as where we are going. Building on past successes and learning from past failures is how we grow and move forward. This is true for individual growth and for the growth and sustainability of a community.
A few weeks ago I featured the history of the Norwood Methodist/United Church; at the end of it I mentioned that the church was implementing some “green programming” to help them become more environmentally friendly. The Methodists were the first to construct a church building in the village back in 1836. It appears that 180-plus years later they are also the first to take major steps toward helping protect and ensure that both their church and planet will be around for future generations.
A couple of years ago, the board of stewards of the Norwood United Church were discussing ways to “green up” the church. They have always tried to be environmentally conscientious, for example they make a point of using washable plates, cutlery, glasses and cups for all of their church functions.
The overhead lighting in the sanctuary was changed over to LED bulbs, the old oil furnaces was replaced with a natural gas furnace and programmable thermostats are set to maximize efficiency and conserve energy. Even their hot water heaters have been replaced with an energy efficient unit. Wanting to do even more if possible, the next step was a discussion on the feasibility of installing solar panels on the roof.
In October 2018 it was decided that solar panels could be a viable option, and so after considerable research the idea was presented to the congregation for consideration and approval. Two local solar panel installers were contacted for quotes and Global Point Energy in Peterborough was selected to provide a plan and installation. Global Point Energy has been in operation for over 20 years and has previous experience in providing churches with solar panels.
The plan called for installing 10 kilowatts worth of panels, which is the maximum generating capacity allowed under the Ontario Energy Boards Net Metering protocols. This generating capacity closely matches the church’s annual consumption of electrical energy. When installed and operating, these panels would provide enough energy over the year to defray most of the church’s electrical charges.
All the generated energy is fed directly into the customer’s electrical distribution panel. At times, the solar panels will generate more power than the customer can use, so the excess power generated is fed back through the customer’s connection into the local power grid.
The customer has a smart meter installed on their connection that measures power consumed by the customer and excess power produced and sent into the grid.
The customer’s monthly power bill shows both power flows and charges are totalled with the excess power providing a credit against the power consumed — both valued at the same rate.
At the annual general meeting of the congregation the plan for installing the solar panels was placed on the agenda for approval. The installation cost was substantial and the congregation would be invited to make contributions to a “Green Fund” to help pay for the installation. The plan also called for the church trustees to free up sufficient money from investments to complete the purchase. At that time and even more so today, investments have a very poor rate of return and it was less than the savings accrued on the lowered power bills. The money from the trust funds would be replaced over the years from the power savings. After some discussion, the plan was approved by the congregation. Subsequently, the congregation gifted half the cost of the installation.
A contract with Global Point Energy was signed in the spring and construction began in the summer. The panels were up and producing power in September.
The panels have been producing power continuously for over a year now. Total power production is over nine megawatts to date. The church has not had an electrical bill since April of last year.
The next time you drive by the church, have a look. The solar panels, which everyone can see driving east on Highway 7 are sending a message. As a caring community, we are taking steps to be a sustainable conserver of energy. The church benefits from savings in the long term and the community benefits from having another built-in green energy source. The final question is not can we afford such initiatives; the question is: Can we afford not to?
Curl for Kids annual fundraiser
The annual Curl for Kids Bonspiel in support of Camp Oochigeas would normally have been held this past weekend at the Norwood Curling Complex; as with most events the pandemic forced its cancellation.
Even with no actual bonspiel possible this year, several of the fundraiser’s regular sponsors have expressed their wish to continue their support for the camp. To make a donation call 705-696-2157.