A visible inspiration: Limestone Presbyterian becomes Delaware's first "solar congregation"

Limestone Presbyterian Church is preparing to let the sun shine into the power grid through solar panels on its roof.

When the last of 180 panels are attached to the roof later this week, and the environmentally-friendly project is dedicated at a July 20 ceremony, the Pike Creek church will be the first solar congregation in the state.

The panels will pump 58 megawatts of electricity into the power grid every year, preventing the generation of more than 90,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from power plants.

Protecting the environment is important to Limestone’s congregation, who have taken the words of Genesis 1:26 to heart and are being responsible stewards of the Earth, said Rev. Bruce Gillette, pastor at Limestone.

“We have been blessed with a beautiful world and we are called to take care of it,” said Gillette.

The congregation has made many environmentally-friendly improvements to the building, like the energy-efficient air conditioning installed last year.

The congregation began discussing solar power a year ago, he said, when the roof was in need of replacement.  They decided to make solar panels part of the project, which will not only extend the life of the shingles, but will also save the church $6,500 a year on energy costs, said Gillette.

The project, including the new roof and solar panels, will cost $250,000, but it will pay for itself by producing 2/3 of the church’s energy and making the congregation eligible for renewable energy credits, he said.

The panels will also be an educational tool, helping a new generation learn about the benefits of solar power at the church’s Rainforest Adventure Vacation Bible School, a program that will teach children about taking care of God’s creation, said Gillette.

Gillette said he hopes the solar panels, shimmering in the summer sunlight, create a visible inspiration for everyone to care for God’s green earth.