Freedom Solar Power has partnered with Riverbend Church to increase their energy independence and place solar panels on their campus of 50+ acres in West Austin. They will be the first Austin church community to go solar and have one of the largest installations on a worship center in the country.
“We are humbled that Riverbend Church decided to go solar, and they trusted us in their journey towards energy independence and reducing carbon footprint,” Kyle Frazier (Freedom Solar Power Commercial Sales Director) said. “The savings they will make by going solar gives them a chance to have an even greater impact on Austin and beyond.”
Riverbend Church has more than 3500 members. This solar project is part of the church’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Riverbend has committed to the execution of a bold green initiative strategy. Riverbend conducted extensive research and selected Freedom Solar based on conversations with customers about their experiences with Freedom Solar, SunPower panel quality, performance, and the Austin Energy rebate, which will save them $750,000 over 25 years.
Riverbend Church’s Operations Pastor Chris Hanson said that Freedom Solar made the process smooth. “We are committed to being responsible stewards on campus and striving to be innovative and efficient in daily operations. We look forward to using our energy savings to benefit our community and the city.
Freedom Solar installed over 550 SunPower panels. This is equivalent to a 217.8kW array and produces 295,000 kWh per year. Riverbend Church’s power will offset 60% of the Home for Hope (2600-seat main auditorium). Riverbend’s solar system will prevent 210 metric tonnes of CO2 from entering our atmosphere each year. This is equivalent to 84 cross-country flights or 21,000 Austin commutes.
Riverbend Church, a prominent religious organization in the area, has set out to create a more sustainable campus. The organization is currently exploring the following sustainability initiatives:
- Upgrade old HVAC systems.
- Add or remove aging window tint.
- Create water usage reduction plans and add vehicle charging stations to replace older gas-powered vehicles.
Hanson stated, “we are looking at other green initiatives such as more solar or wind energy to position our campus better to serve Austin for future generations.”
Nonprofit and charitable organizations across America are working to reduce their carbon footprint by making solar energy more affordable and easily accessible. Solar energy is more reliable for guests and volunteers, while also increasing their net operating income. Nonprofit organizations can receive a 30% Investment Tax Credit via a new direct payment provision under the Inflation Reduction Act. This new direct pay provision is intended to make solar as attractive a investment for nonprofits as it was for businesses. Austin Energy offers a special rebate for nonprofits.
In partnership with Riverbend Church, Freedom Solar Power has helped other Austin nonprofit organizations go solar. These include the Dell Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin and Westminster, the city’s oldest and most established senior living facility.
Frazier stated that the solar industry is founded on integrity and respect for the planet and human lives. As an industry leader, Freedom Solar is committed to supporting all organizations that choose to go solar. We will ensure that the arrays are of the highest quality and continue serving customers for their full life span.