If you’ve visited the church in recent months, you may have noticed something new glinting in the sunlight—the solar panels on the western roof of Unity Hall and the sanctuary. With approximately 200 panels installed across these roofs, our system has a peak generating capacity of 100KW. These panels are part of Foothills’ ongoing commitment to climate justice and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
We’re waiting for the city inspection to activate the system in the next week, and once operational, these panels will provide renewable solar electrical energy to offset the rising costs of electricity from Fort Collins Utilities. This transition couldn’t come at a better time. Just this week, the Coloradoan reported on a 6.5% increase in electric rates starting January 2025, with similar hikes expected in the coming years. These rising costs make renewable energy not only an ethical choice but also a practical one for the long-term sustainability of our community.
Here’s what our new solar system means for Foothills:
- Energy Efficiency: The system is expected to offset at least 50% of our electricity usage, and on some days, potentially more.
- Community Impact: Any excess energy we generate and don’t use will be sent back to the grid, providing renewable power for others in Fort Collins. The church will also receive credits for this contribution.
- Cost of Installation: With an anticipated final out-of-pocket cost of about $1/watt (thanks to rebates and credits), this project was not only an environmental investment but also a financially responsible one.
In the near future, we plan to install a real-time energy display in the Foyer. This will allow visitors to see the impact of our solar panels in action—a tangible reminder of the power of collective effort and sustainable practices.
This project was made possible by the generosity of 51 donors who contributed to support the installation. Their vision and commitment to climate justice have ensured that Foothills is not only a spiritual home but also a leader in sustainability.
Thank you to everyone who made this project a reality. Together, we’re creating a brighter, greener future for our church and our community.
Submitted by Steve Tenbrink, Chair of the Solar Panel Committee
We are delighted to update this post with the news that we passed the City inspection on Thursday, and our Solar Panels are now running and fueling our building!
Steven Tenbrink shared the following graph with us from monitoring the City provides. You can see the immediate drop in external energy consumption! Thanks to everyone who made this project possible by giving! And thank you to the committee who worked hard to identify the right plan and installer!
Katie believes the best things in life are the result of collaboration and diverse perspectives coming together to produce something greater than any individual could. She is passionate about systems, efficiency and collaboration for better community outcomes. She loves dreaming up the big picture and drafting the roadmap to make it happen. She has a background in operations, fundraising, communications and program development, as well as over a decade of nonprofit management experience in Northern Colorado.
Her greatest joy in life comes from her family. Her husband, Steven, a principal at Wellington Middle School, and daughters Emmaline and Esmae are the lights of her life. Together they love mountains, music and all kinds of food. She is passionate about women supporting other women in all stages of life and especially through the critical moments that make or break us. She believes that one of the most important things in life is to be kind.
Being outdoors makes her soul come alive. It always roots her in gratitude and is one of the reasons she loves living in Fort Collins.
