TBT: MAD Energy NW and the Kent United Methodist Church Solar Project

October 31, 2024

solar project

The journey toward sustainable energy in Washington took a significant leap forward in June 2022 when Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provided a remarkable $102,000 grant to Kent United Methodist Church, funding a solar array that now offsets approximately 75% of the church’s energy consumption. Partnering on this impactful project, MAD Energy NW worked alongside the church to install the solar panel system, turning a shared vision into a reality that benefits both the local community and the environment.

A Community-Focused Mission in Kent

Solar energy projects like these demonstrate how renewable energy can empower local organizations, helping them save on energy costs and redirect those funds toward meaningful community initiatives. For Kent United Methodist Church, the benefits were clear. As Pastor Jim Head-Corliss noted, the savings from the solar array would go “right back in the community beyond the walls of our church.” 

This installation was a cornerstone project for MAD Energy NW, whose commitment to local clean energy solutions aligns with PSE’s mission to support low-income communities, Black and Indigenous groups, and people of color. By focusing on accessible solar options, this partnership makes renewable energy a viable option for organizations that might otherwise face financial or logistical barriers.

The Kent Solar Project: A Glimpse Into the Future of Clean Energy

The Kent solar project at United Methodist Church is expected to generate over 41,000 kilowatt-hours annually. This contribution is part of a larger movement, fueled by both public and private efforts, to reduce Washington’s dependency on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the coming decades. Solar arrays like this one make a notable impact, showcasing how local partnerships and grants can accelerate the clean-energy transition while lowering energy costs for vital community organizations.

For MAD Energy NW, this project reflects their hands-on expertise and passion for making solar accessible and beneficial for all. From sourcing quality materials to ensuring seamless and efficient installations, MAD Energy NW continues to be a top choice for communities aiming to lower their carbon footprint.

Supporting Renewable Energy at the Community Level

The broader shift toward solar energy has encouraged many communities in Western Washington to explore renewable solutions. With the support of initiatives like PSE’s grants, organizations from childcare centers to tribal communities have embraced solar. In fact, by the end of 2022, PSE had awarded $954,000 across 13 organizations, including the Kent UMC solar project. This effort demonstrates that clean energy isn’t just for large corporations or individual homeowners; it’s a viable path for entire communities.

As noted in the Seattle Times article about this project, “Community solar can help provide clean energy to people for whom property, location, or money would make it impossible to install a complete array on their own” (Seattle Times, June 2022). By teaming up with organizations like Kent United Methodist Church, MAD Energy NW contributes to the growth of community-focused solar, helping make clean energy accessible to those who might not otherwise have had the option.

The Seattle Times article provides an in-depth look at how this program has uplifted local communities and offers insights into the many ways solar energy can be harnessed and shared.

Further Reading:

Looking Toward a Greener Future

As clean energy technology advances, the opportunities for communities to embrace sustainability continue to grow. MAD Energy NW stands at the forefront of this movement, helping organizations like Kent United Methodist Church tap into the power of solar.

Ready to see how MAD Energy NW can transform your property with solar power? Explore our expert solar installation services, and let’s create a sustainable, energy-efficient future together! Contact us today.

Reference:

Seattle Times. (June 2022). Puget Sound Energy has spent nearly $1M on solar projects in Western WA this year. Here’s what one looks like. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/puget-sound-energy-has-spent-nearly-1m-on-solar-projects-in-western-wa-this-year-heres-what-one-looks-like