PRESS RELEASE – May 8, 2025
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for “Let’s Go Solar” at The Church of the Red Rocks
“Let there be light … and heat … and air conditioning … and lights … and the power to do our part in sustaining and renewing the earth for everyone!”
This has been the motivation for The Church of the Red Rocks as they’ve researched the best approach to “going solar.” About a year ago, In the late spring of 2024, a small group began exploring the options for installing solar on the church building. Rooftop Solar in Flagstaff was chosen to design, engineer, and install the 50.96 kW state-of-the-art 99-panel solar energy system, each panel having its own Enphase Microinverter. The microinverters are smart grid-ready devices, enabling remote advanced system support, right down to the functional view of each individual solar panel. The system is rated to provide two thirds of CRR’s annual electrical needs, reducing our APS billings by at least $12,000 annually, and reducing the equivalent of 73 tons of annual CO2 environmental load. There have been many steps in this process, now down to the final two, approval by The City of Sedona (already achieved), and final testing and certification by APS (currently in progress).
The church anticipates receiving grant money … up to 50% of the cost …. within the next year. And the congregation has nearly raised the other 50% from its members for this project.
On Sunday, May 18, at 11:00 following worship, there will be a ribbon cutting celebration … with Rooftop Solar present to demonstrate and explain how this miracle of turning sunshine into electricity will be observable at Church of the Red Rocks. And there will be music by the Music Interns of the Church of the Red Rocks Chancel Choir.
Ed Bowersox stated, “It has been a pleasure to work on this exciting project that has received the support of so many members of the CRR congregation. Thanks to all who gave their time, energy, and treasure to make “let’s go solar” a reality.
Margaret Gramley, moderator at the time this project was launched and chair of the initial exploratory committee, is grateful for the environmental awareness of this small congregation and their willingness to join in witness to the community that we each and all can make a difference.
Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling … newly installed pastor…. indicated that one of the reasons he felt called to serve at Church of the Red Rocks was its history and investment in serving as stewards of God’s blessings in the community and world.
The Church of the Red Rocks
54 Bowstring Dr.
Sedona, AZ 86336
Contact Information:
info@churchoftheredrocks.com
(928) 282-7963
