A 25 kW solar array has reduced monthly energy costs while providing consistent power supporting the mission to care for the earth.

By Carolyn Cromer

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Chandapura, India, are reaping the benefits of a new 25 kW solar array. The system, which was installed on the rooftop of the convent last April, has not only significantly reduced the monthly electricity bill and gas for the backup generator, but it has also allowed the Sisters to support their mission of caring for the earth.

Before the solar array was installed, the convent’s electricity was unreliable, often fluctuating on and off several times a day. But now, with rooftop solar panels and backup batteries, the power is consistent and reliable. This has made a significant difference in the daily life of the Sisters, who can now count on the power for essential things like ceiling fans during the hot season and hot water for the bathrooms and kitchen.

The new solar array has brought significant improvements for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, reducing their monthly energy costs from a hefty 30,000 rupees to a mere 2-300 rupees, the equivalent of paying only $3 to $4 per month for electricity.

The Sisters did not install the solar array for financial reasons alone. The project supports the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s mission to care for the earth and their goal to eliminate their greenhouse gas emissions by 2047. The Sisters are committed to living in a way that sustains all life and to intensify their efforts to address the destruction of natural resources. 

Beena Chirackal, SCN, coordinator for the convent, says the Sisters are expected to recoup the cost of the array in under ten years, with the panels expected to last for 25 years. The money saved on utility bills and gas for the backup generator will be put back into the community.

The funding for the project came from a special SCN fund, which was set aside to offset carbon emissions from air travel. Although the Sisters have reduced air travel and now conduct many meetings via video conferencing, there are still times when in-person meetings are necessary. This offset fund helps to pay for renewable energy projects and keeps more fossil fuels in the ground.

The success of this project has not gone unnoticed, and the province is now considering solar arrays on other buildings. The Sisters are happy to be leading the way in sustainability and care for the earth, saying, “It is a blessing.”

 Find this story and more in The Journey Magazine. 2023, Vol. I