Solar Awnings

As servants of God, we are called to take care of our world and preserve its resources. The solar awning project’s goal is to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce our energy consumption, and reduce our utility costs. This effort is one way we live out the mission statement of our Care for Creation Task Force: 

To preserve our world for future generations by preserving our resources, reducing our waste, reducing our impact on global warming, and improving our environment for all God’s creatures.

The church decided on a two-phase approach. First, to install solar awnings above the Ministry Wing windows, and, second, to add rooftop panels after the flat roof is replaced.   The solar awnings offer visibility that demonstrates our commitment to caring for creation. Our hope is that they will inspire others to consider solar panels for their homes, churches or businesses. The panels are visible not just from the parking lot, but also Wakefield St. and even to those traveling northbound on Midvale Blvd.

Quick Facts 

  • See the system output here.

  • 18 Solar Panels: 400 watts ea., 7.2 kW total, Bifacial panels, which utilize reflected light to increase electrical generation. 30 year expected useful life. The panels began producing electricity on January 24, 2023. Conduit was also installed for a future expansion of solar panels on the roof.

  • Invertor (10 kW): 15 year expected useful life.

  • Estimated 14% reduction in Midvale’s annual electrical use for the solar awnings. 

  • $24,000 total construction cost. After grants and rebates applied, the net cost was $12,000. For this project, we applied and received funding from MadiSUN, Focus on Energy, Coulliard Solar Foundation, Solar for Good, the Midvale Endowment Fund and contributions from individual members.

Photo Gallery

The architect for the Education Wing provided a Solar Study, which was very helpful in visualizing the completed solar awnings, the change in shading in different time of the year, and to answer questions. The renderings below show that the spacing of the panels maximizes electric generation (i.e. during the summer there is no overlap of shading, and windows are shaded to reduce solar heating of the interior. In the winter, when the sun is low, solar energy is able to directly warm the building interior)

Construction photo

This project is one aspect of many energy reducing actions MCLC has taken in recent years. We will continue to look for ways to reduce our energy usage and carbon footprint, including advocating for and seeking funding for roof top solar panels.