Pisgah Energy Installs Solar Array for Sisters of Mercy
Pisgah Energy partners with international community of Roman Catholic sisters partners to install Belmont’s first ground-mounted solar electric system. The new solar array will generate over 919,000kWh of emissions-free energy, offsetting 30% of the total electricity usage on campus while supporting the nonprofit’s efforts to achieve zero GHG emissions by 2045.
Asheville-based Pisgah Energy worked closely with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas to design, develop and install the ground-mounted solar project on their Belmont, NC Campus. During project development, Pisgah Energy discovered that City of Belmont land development ordinances did not allow for the installation of ground-mounted solar projects. In a months long process, the Pisgah Energy team and Sisters of Mercy staff worked tirelessly to secure an ordinance amendment that would allow for ground-mounted solar within city limits. The effort paid off; Belmont approved the text amendment and now, not only can the Sisters of Mercy boast meeting 30% of their campus’ energy needs with solar power, but solar opportunities have expanded for everyone in the city.
From getting City ordinances updated to working around complex underground infrastructure, this project came with its fair share of challenges. Start to finish, I’ve been impressed with the Sisters of Mercy’s steadfast commitment to ensuring their vision was realized, and it was an honor bringing them one step closer to achieving zero GHG emissions.
—Evan Becka, President at Pisgah Energy
This system, totaling 680kWdc and harnessing the power of 1,152 Qcells 590W panels and 4 SMA inverters, will serve as on-site electrical generation and produce over 919,000kWh of emissions-free energy annually. Every year in operation, the new solar array will offset approximately 634 tons of carbon dioxide. The impact of this solar electric system is equivalent to removing air pollution produced by over 1.4 million miles of driving or recycling instead of landfilling 203 tons of waste or the annual electricity usage of 158 homes.
The Sisters of Mercy are embracing various pathways to become better stewards of the environment, with this solar installation standing out as a powerful symbol of their commitment to sustainability and determination to contributre to cleaner air for generations to come.
The Sisters of Mercy are committed to do our part to make life on our home, planet Earth, sustainable for generations into the future. We have called ourselves to align our institutional practices with actions to address the urgent climate crisis that we all face. There is much that needs to be done and that will only be effective if we collaborate in this effort. We are grateful to all the people who worked hard over last few years to make this step possible.
—Sister Judith Frickker, RSM, a member of the Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy
About
Pisgah Energy provides comprehensive solar and energy storage design, development and construction services for commercial, municipal, and institutional clients across the Southeast. Based in Asheville NC, its mission is to lead the transition of commercial, municipal, and institutional clients from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The Pisgah Energy team has a combined 50+ years of experience in the renewable energy industry and a proven track record of developing innovative solar and energy storage projects that are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of each individual client.
The Sisters of Mercy—an international community of Roman Catholic women—dedicate their lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. For more than 190 years, motivated by the Gospel of Jesus and inspired by the spirit of their founder, Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy have responded to the changing needs of the times. The congregation had a social media reach of about 350,000 in the most recent fiscal year.
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