Illuminating Change: Trinity’s Path to Solar Energy

Left Tom Karvonen and Right Enrique Sánchez

In 2018, Enrique Sánchez, a new member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, along with Tom Karvonen, who served as the Church Treasurer at that time, found themselves participating in a Sunday school class that centered on the sobering realities of climate change. This educational session became the catalyst for a profound shift in perspective, propelling them and their Church into a journey toward embracing solar energy. Despite being newcomers, their shared passion for environmental stewardship quickly bonded them with the congregation. Motivated by a group of 15 congregation members, led by Bob Forsythe, Trinity Church embarked on a mission driven by their shared dedication to environmental stewardship. Under Forsythe's leadership, the group remained united, energized, and focused on their goal. Recognizing the importance of fiscal responsibility alongside environmental commitment, Trinity Church sought to first minimize its carbon footprint, and inspire its community to join it in its sustainable journey with the reduced operational costs being an additional benefit of the process.

Partnering with Sugar Hollow Solar, Trinity embarked on this transformative endeavor. Initially apprehensive about the complexities of such a significant undertaking, their concerns were swiftly addressed by Sugar Hollow's responsive and expert guidance. Enrique recalls, "Our transition to solar was truly remarkable. Sugar Hollow's timely assistance proved invaluable, from our initial inquiries to the seamless installation process. We couldn't have been more pleased."

Driven by their shared vision, Trinity launched a successful fundraising campaign and strategically timed their installation in two phases to maximize rebates and savings with congregation members donating in honor of loved ones and future generations. By late 2019, both phases and all 129 solar panels were installed. With each phase of installation, the church continued to see a significant decline in its power bills, ultimately leading to an average reduction of 67% in its electricity expenses.

Today, Trinity Presbyterian Church stands as a shining example of environmental stewardship and community leadership. Their journey toward solar energy not only reduced their environmental impact but also demonstrated the tangible benefits of renewable energy adoption. Through dedication, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to their values, Trinity has paved the way for a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Sugar Hollow Solar Partnership Highlights:

Trinity selected Sugar Hollow Solar after evaluating twelve options from three companies. Trinity cited reasons for choosing Sugar Hollow Solar including competitive pricing, beating competitors by 11.6% when the Duke rebate available at the time was considered.
Trinity reported Sugar Hollow Solar’s proposal projected a 5% higher annual savings.
Trinity has reported that their panels are consistently overproducing energy above our proposal projections.

Outcomes and Benefits:

Since 2020, the church has consistently achieved a remarkable yearly carbon offset, with emissions reduced by approximately 90% compared to their levels in 2018 and prior. This substantial reduction in environmental impact equates to planting 2 trees a day, totaling over 3,000 trees and continuing to grow.
Substantial and long-term financial savings, coupled with heightened sustainability, have been realized by the church. Since 2020, they have accrued over $30,000 in cost savings on electricity bills, attributed to the significant 67% reduction in expenses, with average monthly bills plummeting from $870 to $287.
Trinity Presbyterian Church's embrace of solar energy brings about tangible benefits, including:
Raising Congregation Awareness: Increasing awareness among congregants about alternative energy sources and methods to reduce carbon footprints, fostering a culture of sustainability within the community.
Promoting Public Health: Contributing to cleaner air, resulting in improved public health outcomes by mitigating the impacts of air pollution and creating a healthier environment for all.
Enhancing Grid Reliability: Decreasing the strain on the grid and bolstering its reliability by reducing the demand for grid energy through the adoption of solar power.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Trinity Presbyterian Church's journey to embrace solar energy stands as an inspiring testament to the power of collective action and unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. Through their partnership with us at Sugar Hollow Solar and the commitment of their congregation, Trinity has not only reduced their carbon emissions by an impressive 90%, equivalent to planting over 3,000 trees but also achieved substantial long-term financial savings, totaling over $30,000 since 2020. As Tom aptly noted, "The price has really come down to the point where I think more and more people probably can consider affording it," highlighting the increasing accessibility of solar energy solutions not only for churches and nonprofits but businesses and homeowners too. Trinity Presbyterian Church's transition to solar energy not only demonstrates the feasibility of renewable energy adoption, but also highlights the tangible benefits of cleaner air, enhanced grid reliability, and a more sustainable future for generations to come. Trinity's path illuminates the way forward for communities seeking to lead by example in combating climate change and promoting environmental stewardship.