Houses of Worship - Solar Energy Systems for Home & Business

Solar Power for Houses of Worship
A collaboration between Massachustetts Interfatith Power & Light, HEET and SunBug Solar

Today, many faith-based organizations are installing solar to steward the planet toward a sustainable future. And in Massachusetts, state programs make solar a strong financial investment as well. Our cost of electricity is high, even with recent rate reducJons due to unsustainable gas mining, while strong federal & state incentives make solar an affordable renewable energy choice. For this reason, Massachustts Interfaith Power & Light, Home Energy Efficicncy Team and SunBug Solar have built a program to bring solar to houses of worship across the state.

The Solar Lease

• No down payment
• Monthly costs equal or less than current electric costs.
• SunPower panels: the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar on the planet
• Houses of worship can own the solar system after 10 years for just 20% of original cost.

When is the program open?

The program's enrollment period runs through September, 2012.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any house of worship located in Massachusetts. The building's roof must be in good condition with approximately 1400 square feet of pitched roof or 1600 square feet of flat roof.

What is the process to participate?

1. Contact SunBug for a free evaluation
2. SunBug designs a system specific to your roof
3. Present the project to you congregation
4. Lease application and signing
5. SunBug installs and maintains your solar power system

Contact lisa.raffin@sunbugsolar.com or call 617 500 3932 to learn more.

Questions and Answers

How does the house of worship get billed?
HOWs are billed directly from SunBug’s & SunPower’s financing partner, Technology Credit Corporation; so monthly lease payments are consistent and predictable. In most cases, solar power will provide most of the HOW’s annual electric consumption. The HOW still receives a reduced electricity bill from their utility for the balance of power consumed from the grid.

What is the responsibility the house of worship has for maintaining or administrating the system?
Only to provide SunBug with periodic access for maintenance.

Is there a guarantee if the solar system does not produce the promised solar energy produc0on?
SunBug will guarantee electricity production and compensate house of worship for shortage over 5% of annual production.

Does SunBug provide a comprehensive warranty covering the entire system including defec0ve system components, workmanship, as well as degrada0on of system performance?
Yes, all of the above for full 10 year lease term.

Does SunBug cover costs associated with the operations and maintenance of the solar system as part of the lease?
Yes, we provide full maintenance for entire term of lease.

Who secures permits and approvals necessary to install, interconnect and manage the system with the appropriate federal, state, local authorities?
SunBug Solar is fully licensed and insured and secures all municipal and utility permits.

What happens if the roof leaks?
SunBug warrantees roof penetrations from causing any leaks and will repair if needed.

Does your solar company use licensed installation staff?
Yes. We are NABCEP certified and fully licensed for installations across the state.

Does your company provide MA licensed PE structural engineering analysis?
Yes, each system is stamped by professional engineers as required for permiting.

How many systems has SunBug installed? How are they performing?
Over 130 installations totaling over 1 megawatt of capacity. SunBug systems consistently perform at or above projected output, and SunBug can supply an extensive list of customer references upon request.

How long has SunBug been installing solar systems?
SunBug Solar has installed systems since 2009.

Does the system work if there’s a power outage?
No. The system is Bed to the utility and for safety reasons only operates when power from the utility is available. Battery back up systems are costly and environmentally unfriendly. .

Who is SunBug Solar?

SunBug Solar is a locally owned and operated solar energy consulting and service company offering solar solutions for community organizations, businesses, schools and homeowners. Our process is precise and includes feasibility, financing, design, construction, commissioning and operation. SunBug is designing and installing the 200 panel, 50 kW array on thie historic South Church in Andover, MA. SunBug is first and foremost a practical solar energy company. Our goal is widespread solar adoption, which is why we parttnered with MIP&L and HEET to create this program.

SunBug is certified by NABCEP, the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, for photovoltaic installation and service. We are members of the New England Clean Energy Council and the Environmental Business Council of New England, and are accredited by the Boston Area Better Business Bureau.

SunBug reserves the right to terminate this program at its sole discretion at any time.