A Solar-Powered Boulder Church

The Boulder Valley Christian Church commissioned IPS to install a 109.98 kW ground-mounted solar array near their facility in Boulder, Colorado.

Project Highlights

Location: Boulder, Colorado

System Size: 109.98 kW

Est. CO2 Offset: 263,471 lbs/yr

Project Type: Commercial Solar

Client: Boulder Valley Christian Church

THE BVCC SOLAR GARDEN

To reflect their strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the Boulder Valley Christian Church (BVCC) contracted Independent Power to design and install a 109.98 kW ground-mounted commercial solar array consisting of 468 SunPower SER-235P modules and a Satcon PVS-100 480 volt inverter. After it was determined that the Church’s roof would not produce the desired energy yield due to its low angle and east/west orientation, an alternative site was proposed adjacent to the BVCC community garden. Although the ground-mount racking system increased the cost of installation per kW, the new location saw an estimated 20% increase in annual energy production, more than offsetting the system’s upfront costs. Boulder Valley Christian Church now operates at over 90% solar electricity. The system is expected to offset 263,471 lbs of carbon per year.

"Going with solar power was a natural extension of the values of Boulder Valley Christian Church. We strive to be good stewards of everything God has entrusted us with, and solar is a great way to preserve the environment with clean, green energy, and an added bonus is the significant cost savings."

ZACH WATSON

ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR, BOULDER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH