Silicon Valley Congregation Goes Solar
by Rita Norton
Decisions about energy are actions with environmental impacts.
Default supply is to depend on electricity provided by power sources
fed into the utility grid. These sources involve use of coal burned
in Nevada plains, nuclear power from Diablo Canyon, natural gas
fired plants in Moss Landing, hydroelectric dams and other facilities.
With California’s growing electricity demand, new power plants
and transmissions lines are proposed.
The alternative decision Congregation Shir Hadash is now implementing
is to choose to use a “green” source that is renewable,
local and nonpolluting. This Tikkun Olam decision is consistent
with Jewish tradition to take actions that help repair this world.
Taking advantage of both advanced technology for which Silicon
Valley is known and use of progressive regulations available from
California state agencies, Shir Hadash went to bid and received
proposals from three qualified energy supply firms. EcoEnergies
of Sunnyvale was selected to install a 10 KW photovoltaic (PV) system.
Photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity. The inverter
transforms electricity into current compatible with building wiring
system. Electricity generated from solar cells is used to power
lights, air conditioning, appliances, office equipment and air systems.
Shir Hadash will receive a small percentage of total building energy
usage from PG&E.
The utility and regional air quality benefits from on-site production
of electricity from solar sources are less reliance on imported
electricity from petroleum-based and polluting power plants that
contribute to global warming and air pollution. For this reason,
California provides a rebate of $4.50 per watt towards the capitalization
of the investment. The system’s total cost, after rebate, is
$52,000 or about $5,000 per kW Project funding came from congregational
donors.
The congregation’s solar system consists of racks tilted 20-30
degrees on the roof holding 140 modules of PV panels. EcoEnergies
is providing a five-year installation and inverter warranty plus
a 20-year guarantee on the PV cells.
Shir Hadash benefits from lower electricity costs. As with most
commercial buildings of the same size, electricity cost is tiered,
higher during times of peak use and greater beyond a base amount.
The electricity Shir Hadash will purchase from PG&E will be
charged at off-peak, time-of-use and lowest tier rates. Net metering
allows the congregation to sell electricity into the grid when generation
is greater than demand.
The relationship between energy and the environment is one of choice.
With the new PV system, the Shir Hadash community shall continue
to use energy efficiently, not wastefully and take satisfaction
in knowing that the electricity used is nonpolluting and sustainable.
The congregation takes pride in showcasing this solar system as
an example for congregants at home as well as for managers of buildings,
be they religious, commercial, industrial, educational or public.
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