What began as an idea to lessen the church’s carbon impact on the planet has evolved into a solar energy project that will cut Zoar Church in Tofte’s electrical usage from the grid by about 65 percent and also help heat a small school in Peru.
The church is working with two Minnesota companies, All-Energy Solar, an Installation Company which this fall will install an array of 16-22 panels made by the Heliene factory located in Mountain Iron.
“The panels will be installed on the roof of the parsonage,” said Pastor Daren Blanck. “But they will be gridtied into the church’s electric meter, benefitting the whole congregation and community. In addition to generating electricity here in Tofte, we are also looking to help a small school in Peru install solar heating.”
Daren said the church is working together with Joe Sanders and the Tofte General Store as business partners and taking advantage of the 30 percent federal tax credit program.
“We expect to pay about $10,100 over seven years including the value of the electricity generated for a system sized to provide about 65 percent of the electrical needs of the church. For an extra $4,200 we can install a system that will generate 85 percent or more of our electrical needs, making the system even more cost-effective over time,” he said.
So far, with approval from the congregation and leadership team, $10,000 has been allocated from funds donated by individuals for the building improvements. Pastor Blanck said he hopes to raise the extra $4,200 prior to the installation of the solar panels this October.
As for the solar heating school project in Peru, Daren said it would cost between $5,000 and $10,000 to complete. And the need is great.
The school is located in Chinchillapy, a small community in the Pumo Province, some 16,000 feet above sea level. No roads connect this poor mountain community to Pumo City, which is situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, some 60 miles away.
The indigenous people are of the Quechau descent who herd alpaca and sheep. From June to August temperatures fall well below zero degrees F and strong winds make frostbite a danger. With no electricity or running water, and wood in scarce supply due to deforestation, the community is in need of help.
“I believe these projects are ways we can care for God’s creation, care for our less fortunate, far-away neighbors, help manufacturing and business in our region, and give the gift of energy independence to future generations,” said Pastor Blanck. “If you are willing to help financially, you may write a check to ‘Zoar Lutheran Church’ with ‘Solar Project’ on the memo line and mail it to the church at: Pastor Daren Blanck, Zoar Lutheran Church, PO Box 2098, Tofte, MN 55615.
If you would rather donate electronically, send an email to Pastor Blanck at zoarlc@boreal.org for more information.
“We are not intending to use general offerings or operating funds,” to pay for these undertakings, he said. “To facilitate both projects we will be splitting every dollar donated between the two.”
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