Solar Powered Church Unveiled by Mormons

One hundred and fifty-eight solar panels arranged on the roof of a new 20,000 square foot Latter Day Saints church will provide electricity for the building and congregation during the coming years. The structure is located in Farmington, Utah. In a test run over a six day period the panels generated 910 kilowatt hours of electricity. Only about 300 kwh are needed for a Sunday service. It has been estimated the panels should be able to generate enough electricity for the building to be self-sufficient. In its library an energy performance display shows power generated, power consumed, and cumulative savings, so all can learn about the benefits of solar technology.

Jared Doxey, the director of architecture, engineering and construction for the Church said, “Over the course of the year, we’re anticipating a net-zero electricity bill.” Some of the other environmentally friendly features of the structure include low-flush toilets, windows that partially filter sunlight to keep the building cool, and parking spots for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Such measures can reduce costs and protect the environment not only for the one building, but potentially for the 17,000 meetinghouses the Mormon Church owns. The Farmington facility is not the first Mormon meetinghouse to use solar power. One in Tahiti started using it 2007. The Mormon community has been employing conservation techniques for some time. One of their buildings in California is heated entirely by geothermal energy. Several other alternative energy meetinghouses are being built in the region.

Image Credit: LDS.org

Read more: Green, lds, mormons, solar-power

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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J.L. A.

9:23AM PST on Feb 15, 2012

should be cost-effective, too

send a green star

Robyn L.

6:40PM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Now, start a community solar garden and generate power for many people.
www.solargardens.org

Abbe A.

4:03AM PDT on Jul 11, 2011

good for them

Hartson D.

10:21AM PDT on Jun 9, 2011

Showing us the way in more than one way.

Kath R.

4:23AM PST on Feb 21, 2011

Congratulations to the Mormon church for being a model of environmental responsibility.

KS G.

5:11PM PST on Feb 19, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Elena O.

3:29PM PST on Feb 17, 2011

I agree, more churches should act as role models and give back to the community by being socially responsible. Some commercial businesses are using power purchased agreements to fund solar panel installation costs. Churches should try this too.

Alyce E G.

4:35PM PDT on Sep 27, 2010

Wonderful to read this about the solar-powered Morman church!
Now other churches, religions, groups need to follow their example! Thanks for sharing this!

Edith B.

9:12PM PDT on Sep 26, 2010

Thanks! The Mormons have always taught conservation, glad to know some of our churches are energy efficient!

Melissa M.

3:03PM PDT on Sep 4, 2010

More churches should do the same. Most have gigantic roof space! Imagine all the power they could add to the grid! Spiritual and Light for all!