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Duncan United Church going solar to save

Jubilee Street facility installing solar panels
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Duncan United Church is working towards reducing its carbon footprint, as well as financial efficiencies down the road.

Minister Keith Simmonds said the church, located on Jubilee Street, is installing solar panels on its large roof, at a cost of $55,000.

The solar panel installation comes just weeks after workers spent about a month reshingling the roof of the church, which cost $90,000 to complete.

Simmonds said about two thirds of the total costs of the projects were paid with an interest-free loan from the United Church of Canada, while Duncan United Church raised the rest through fundraisers and other means.

“The solar panels have a 30-year life span, and are expected to pay for themselves in eight years,” he said.

“The panels should take care of about 70 per cent of our electrical load. If hydro rates stay as they are now, we expect to save about $110,000 in electricity costs during the life span of the solar panels, so we’ll save lots in the long-run.”

Simmonds said the saved money will be put towards his church’s food and other programs, and will lessen the costs of community groups to use the church’s facilities and services.

“It’s a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and save money,” he said.

“I’d recommend it highly.”