Pisgah Energy has completed a 680-kW solar system for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in Belmont, North Carolina.
During project development, Pisgah Energy discovered that City of Belmont land development ordinances did not allow for the installation of ground-mounted solar projects. Over many months, the Pisgah Energy team and Sisters of Mercy staff worked 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 its 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 greenhouse gas emissions,” said Evan Becka, Pisgah Energy president.
The system features Qcells panels and SMA inverters.
“The Sisters of Mercy are committed to do our part to make life on our home, planet Earth, sustainable for generations into the future,” said Sister Judith Frikker, RSM, a member of the Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy. “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.”
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