UCG Social Justice Activism: Solar Panel's and Other Greening

Solar Panel Update!

On Friday September 16th the UCG solar project was launched. With the flip of a switch our

panels began producing power. This seventh principle initiative was celebrated in a special

ceremony on Sept 18th. In addition to many members of the congregation, the ceremony was

attended by MP Frank Valeriote, MPP Liz Sandals and Mayor Karen Farbridge. For a

slideshow of the solar panels being erected and of the ceremony, go to

http://www.slideshare.net/Wagovan/ucg-solar-from-zero-to-zander

To date our congregation has produced more than 1000 kWh, earned more than $800, and offset electricity produced by

coal, nuclear, hydro and gas by feeding green energy onto the Ontario power grid. You can check on the power

production of our panels at any time at http://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/h3Bf30871

There were many people involved in making the UCG solar project happen. Special thank you’s go to the following:

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Harold Chapman – for doing the entire behind the scenes unglamorous work and frequently meeting with

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Steve Chovaz – for navigating all of the financial hurdles and for coordinating the debenture program.

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Charles Davidson – for donating his legal expertise and covering legal costs for the project.

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Helen Prinold – for her leadership on the UCG board during the initial phase of the project.

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Warren Yates- for getting the Envoy system hooked up so we can see what our panels are doing online.

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Rick McBay, Dave Huitema (the installers and electricians with Faromor) for their excellent work.

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Steve Dyce from Guelph Hydro – for helping us navigate the process of connecting to the grid.

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Members of the Congregation- for financing $45,000 of the project costs through the debenture program.

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The staff of UCG- meeting with contractors and for all of their support.

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creativity to make the solar celebration special.

Lorna and the current board for enthusiastically tackling the celebration of the solar project, and using their

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change!!

Many others whose advice and expertise helped to make the project happen- it takes a community to make

To view the power production of our solar panels follow the following link. Solar Energy

Summer 2011

Thank you to all those who helped with the organization and installation of new low flush toilet's!

contractors at the congregation.

The Unitarian Congregation of Guelph
122 Harris Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1E 5T1
Phone: 519-836-3443
http://www.guelph-unitarians.com