For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The First Congregational Church, UCC, of Wisconsin Rapids recently announced that it has signed a contract with Northwind Solar, Amherst, for the installation and startup of a 42.5 kW solar system consisting of 100 solar modules and associated equipment.

It is expected that the installation will be completed in late July or early August. The system will provide approximately 68 percent of the total electrical requirements for the church.

This project has been slowly developing within the church congregation for about the last two years.

“We believe that being the church means we need to protect the environment. Care for the poor. Embrace diversity. Reject racism. Forgive often. Love God. Fight for the powerless. Share earthly and spiritual resources, and enjoy this life,” said Pastor Missy Miller

The 42.5 kW dc portrait array will be installed on the pitched roof of the southeast side of the educational wing of the church and will be visible from Third Street South.

While the solar installation will help the church save money in the long term, the primary driver is “to set a precedent for social change and to take action towards clean energy. We seek to inspire members of the congregation to go green as well as encourage other community businesses and organizations to switch to renewable energy sources.”

Financing for the project include contributions from the UCC conference, Solar for Good, contributions from the congregation, and Focus on Energy.