Creative Solar Solutions with Broad Community Benefit
Temple Emunah | Lexington, MA
Project Highlights
Nearly $300,000 in savings to Temple Emunah with $0 direct cost
26 Low-income families receive electricity at a 25% discount
Eliminates Greenhouse Gases Equivalent to 36 cars per year
About the Customer
Temple Emunah is a 525-member family synagogue located in Lexington, MA. The temple has a strong commitment to the environment and actively works to make positive changes, supporting climate justice, environmental sustainability, and Jewish values.
Customer Situation
Temple Emunah was already at the forefront of composting and recycling, had switched over to LED light bulbs, and had increased the energy efficiency of its HVAC system, among other climate-focused actions.
Congregants' motivations for exploring clean energy
Jewish value of Repairing the World
Reduce carbon emissions, do their part to fight climate change.
Reduce the temple’s energy expense
Spends approximately $60,000 annually on electricity, a significant portion of the operating budget.
In 2018, a group of congregants came together in an effort to move forward with a clean energy solution, and they committed to taking the necessary steps to implement solar. The working group explored multiple options, sought advice from other synagogues and organizations, talked to multiple solar providers, and chose Resonant Energy as its solar developer.
Resonant Solution
As Massachusetts’ leading provider for non-profit solar installations, Resonant Energy uniquely understood Temple Emunah’s needs. Given its unusual architecture, the temple wished to avoid adding solar panels to the roof. Resonant responded with an innovative 336-kW canopy system, which would cover most of the temple’s 150-space parking lot and provide more than enough electricity to meet the temple’s needs.
Additionally, Temple Emunah was interested in understanding the various financial options, with a strong preference for no-cost solutions. Resonant presented multiple approaches, enabling the temple’s working group to evaluate the costs and benefits of various approaches, and ultimately selecting a no-cost Power Purchase Agreement with a community solar component.
Results
Project was built at no cost to Temple Emunah, including operations and maintenance costs
Temple receives a yearly lease payment from the financier for use of their parking lot
The system generates power equivalent to 162% of Emunah’s annual electricity usage, 50% is assigned to the temple and the other 50% is sent to Community Solar subscribers
Through the Power Purchase Agreement, Temple Emunah has locked in a 10% discount on their electricity for 25 years
26 Low-Income families receive a 25% discount on their electricity credits as subscribers of the community solar project
Congregants benefit from shaded parking during hot summer months and protection from snow during the winter months
“This is a great success for Temple Emunah. We were able to implement a solar solution at zero out-of-pocket cost, reduce our energy costs, and generate some revenue. But even more than that, we’re helping reduce carbon emissions and benefitting our local community. This project really exemplifies Tikkun Olam – repairing the world – and that’s something we can all be proud of.
Our community is thrilled to be solar-powered and this was all possible through our partnership with Resonant Energy. We encourage other houses of worship to explore similar solutions. You can do this!”
Susan Rubenstein,
House Committee Chair