Freedom Solar Power has partnered up with Riverbend Church in order to increase its energy independence by installing solar panels on its 50+-acre campus located in West Austin. This installation will make the church one of Austin’s first churches to go solar, and it is one of the biggest installations in a place for worship in the United States.
Kyle Frazier is the Commercial Sales Director at Freedom Solar Power. “We’re honored that Riverbend Church chose to go solar, and trusted us on their journey towards energy independence and reducing carbon footprint,” Frazier said. The savings they will receive from going solar will allow them to have a greater impact on Austin and beyond.
Riverbend Church has more than 3500 members and serves people from across the metro area. This solar project will help the church reduce its carbon footprint. Riverbend has a strong commitment to implementing a bold strategy for green initiatives. Riverbend chose Freedom Solar after extensive research. They based their decision on conversations they had with former customers about Freedom Solar’s performance, quality, and reliability of SunPower panels and the Austin Energy rebate, which will save them $750,000 in the next 25 years.
Chris Hanson said, “Freedom Solar made the process of going solar seamless.” Hanson is an Operations Pastor at Riverbend Church. We believe in being responsible stewards on campus while also looking for ways to improve our efficiency and innovation.
We look forward to using our energy savings to help our community and Austin.
Freedom Solar installed over 550 SunPower panels. This is the equivalent of 217.8kW solar arrays, which produce 295,000 kWh per year. The electricity produced at Riverbend Church is expected to offset 60% of usage at Home for Hope’s main auditorium (2600 seats). Riverbend’s PV system will prevent 210 metric tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year, which is equivalent to 84 flights across the country and 21,000 Austin commutes.
Riverbend Church, a community leader in religious organizations, is working to create a sustainable campus. The organization is currently considering the following initiatives to be part of its overall sustainability programming. These include upgrading the old HVAC system, adding or replacing aging window tints, adding landscaping that reduces direct sunlight in windows, and developing water usage reduction plans.
Hanson said, “We are exploring green initiatives such as solar and wind power to better position our campus for Austin in the future.”
Solar energy is becoming more affordable and available, and nonprofits and charities across the nation are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint in both infrastructure and practices. Solar energy provides a more reliable source of energy for volunteers and guests while increasing their net operating income. Solar systems installed by nonprofit entities can qualify for a 30% Investment Tax Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act through a direct pay provision. The goal is to make solar an attractive investment for nonprofit organizations, just as it was historically for businesses. Austin Energy offers a special rebate for nonprofits.
Freedom Solar Power, in addition to Riverbend Church, has partnered with nonprofit organizations throughout Austin to help them become solar-powered. These include the Dell Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, Mothers’ Milk Bank of Austin, as well as Westminster, Austin’s oldest senior living community.
Frazier said that the solar industry was based on integrity and respect for our planet and life. Freedom Solar, as an industry leader in the solar energy sector, is committed to supporting all organizations that choose to go to solar. They will ensure that the arrays are of high quality and serve their customers for the entire lifespan.