Augustana Lutheran Church Is Now Solar-Powered — But It Was ‘A Long Road’ To Get There
After errant, decades-old fees on University of Chicago properties put $250,000 in city funding at risk, Augustana opted to pay the disputed debt to secure the grant. Two years later, the city is open to refunding the church, city officials said.
Augustana Lutheran Church in Hyde Park has recently completed a solar energy project that not only powers the church but also showcases its commitment to alternative energy. The 102-panel solar array, which went online in mid-February, is expected to cover "pretty much all of our electrical needs," according to Rev. Nancy Goede. The church is eager to determine how much power the array provided during its first full month, but it is optimistic about its ability to generate excess energy. While it's unclear if the church will be able to sell the excess electricity back, its goal is to contribute to the grid.
The project, which was supported by $250,000 in reimbursements from the city's now-inactive Climate Infrastructure Fund, faced a significant hurdle before it could be finalized. City officials discovered that Augustana owed $6,400 to the transportation department for loading zone and sign fees from the late 1980s. To secure the grant, the church opted to pay the disputed debt, putting the $250,000 in city funding at risk. Two years later, city officials have agreed to refund the church, allowing it to fully benefit from the grant.
Augustana's "green team," composed of members who have previously led eco-friendly initiatives such as an environmental stewardship course for churchgoers, oversaw the construction of the solar array. The team will celebrate the project's completion with an April 19 service and lunch at the church, starting at 10:45 a.m. The celebration, which is open to the public, aims to highlight the church's dedication to alternative energy and its belief in the importance of such developments.
The solar project not only addresses the church's energy needs but also serves as a demonstration of the shared commitment to alternative energy in the area and across the United States. As electrical needs continue to grow, the church is glad to contribute to the grid, while also emphasizing the need for further development in renewable energy sources. The completion of this project represents a significant milestone for Augustana Lutheran Church and its community, showcasing the importance of perseverance and collaboration in achieving sustainable energy goals.
