Central Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church located in Rockville, MD, that is installing a 148.42 kW Community Solar Energy Generating System (“CSEGS”) on their roof. This unique community solar project benefits not only the church but also prominent subscribers such as The Jewish Council for the Aging, Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, Grosvenor Park III Condominium Association, and the Town of Washington Grove’s common area utility meters. Previously funded Green Bank solar installations at The Jewish Council for the Aging and Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church further enhance their commitment to sustainability by augmenting their on-site solar production through the Central Baptist community solar subscriptions. Both projects are developed and owned by Skyview Ventures as well.

The Central Baptist solar system will produce 180,462 kWh of clean, renewable solar energy throughout the first twelve months of use. Over the next 20 years, the CSEGS, which will be installed by Aurora Energy, will avoid the consumption of 3,609,240 kWh of energy not sourced from the local utility provider, mitigating 2,560 metric tons of carbon dioxide, greenhouse gas emissions. These energy savings will lead to a projected savings of $123,800 over 20 years in reduced electricity bills for the church.

The solar project will be financed through a Community Solar Roof Lease between Skyview Ventures and Central Baptist Church.

The Montgomery County Green Bank provided a direct loan to Skyview Ventures, the owner of the CSEGS.

The Montgomery County Green Bank has been working closely with Interfaith Power & Light on helping faith communities go solar. See ipldmv.org/solar for more resources from Interfaith Power & Light, including a map of existing faith communities with solar and a recording of an info session on solar for faith communities.