Change Font Size:   A A A

Apr 20, 2011

Austin Parishes Celebrate Earth Day with Solar Power

El Buen Samaritano/San Francisco de Asis

This year Earth Day falls on Good Friday, and many Austin parishes can take pride in the use of solar power.

 

In 2008, El Buen Samaritano and San Fracisco de Asis, Austin, installed solar panels on their roof, leaving the shape of a cross. And at the end of August, 2009 St. Alban’s, Austin, installed a solar panel energy system, also leaving the outline of a cross.

 

Since that time, St. Alban’s has saved nearly $5000 in electricity costs, in addition to preventing the emission of 76,150 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The installation of the solar panels has the same effect as if St. Alban’s would have planted 2,373 trees.

 

At the end of 2009, Trinity Episcopal School, Austin, installed the largest commercial system of solar panels in the city. 270 panels were installed at the school, providing up to 30% of the school's electric needs. The cost of the project was covered by a generous multi-year gift intended to promote alternative uses of energy and environmental initiatives. 

 

At the completion of the project, The Texas Solar Power Company projected that it would prevent more than 81,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere per year. That is the equivalent of planting 70 acres of forest in Austin. Read more here.

 

What green efforts are you participating in? Email us with your stories.