All Saints switched on
Federal Minister Duncan Kerr with Fr David O'Neill at the official 'switching on' of All Saints' solar array.
One parish's care for creation
In a significant step towards the parish’s care for creation, All Saints South Hobart connected their newly installed 1.5 kilowatt array of nine solar panels to the grid on Thursday 18 December 2008.
It was officially switched on by the Federal Minister for Denison, Mr Duncan Kerr, SC, MP in a short ceremony.
This work has been facilitated by the grant of 50% of the installed cost by the federal government, under the Photovoltaic Rebates Program, amounting in All Saints’ case to the sum of $13 480, and by the generosity of members of the congregation in funding a large proportion of the remaining costs.
Mr Kerr stated that we all need to do our bit for climate change and that he would encourage all community groups to make the switch to solar – an investment that makes environmental and economic sense through the Federal Government’s scheme. He applauded All Saints in making that switch.
The Rector, Canon David O’Neill, said that the church’s decision to install solar panels was a theological statement – not to mention financial and ecological – and that it was vital for community organisations like churches to lead from the front on the issue of renewable energy.
‘We believe in the right and best use of creation and the resources we have. This is our way of showing that respect.’
It is anticipated that about $1 000 a year will be saved by using the system – more, if the amount paid for energy fed into the grid is increased. Nearly 1 million kw hours of energy will have hit the roof of All Saints Church over the last 150 years. Now, in its sesquicentenary year, it is being used!
Information on applying for a grant through the Solar Homes and Communities Plan (which has replaced the Pholtovoltaic Rebates Program) can be found on the website.