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Steve Charman, Lancaster University Methodist Chaplain, describes his reasons for installing solar water panels in his North Lancashire District manse. As far as we are aware, this is the first and currently the only instance of solar panels on a Methodist manse. If you know of another similarly equipped manse (whether Methodist or URC), then we would love to hear about it!
" Do you want to install Solar Water panels for economic reasons? If so, don't." This was one of the first questions we were asked when we started enquiring about Solar Water panels for our house. Money was not our motivation for wanting to install the panels - we wanted the panels in order to use renewable energy to heat our water, rather than gas or electricity, we wanted to play our small part in reducing CO2 emissions. Some may challenge us and say what's the point - it's only a drop in the ocean, but the ocean is made up of small drops and I would rather be adding a drop in the ocean which is improving the globe rather than a drop in the ocean which is destroying it. (n.b. If you are staying in the property for 15-20 years you will benefit economically from the installation of panels.)
Theological Point
We believe in a Creator God who has made the whole universe. When made it was good and humanity has been given the responsibility to act as stewards for creation. For us, good stewardship means caring for the resources available for us, using them sparingly and where possible renewing them, and also minimising the damage we inflict upon creation as we live our lives.
Basic Statistics
Cost of System: £3000 - 2 Solar Panels for the roof, Water Cylinder (needed replacing anyway). The Government Clearskies Renewable Energy Grant contributed £400
End of April - Mid October used 250 units of Gas compared to 340 in previous year
(We use gas for heating, water heating and cooking)
End of May-Mid September we used 6x1 hour boosts of Gas for Water Heating - all other hot water was supplied by the sun (and most of the time the hot water needed cold to be added to it as it was too hot!)
Books to recommend:
"A Good Life - The guide to ethical living"
by Leo Hickman, pub. Eden Project Books
"A Life Stripped Bare - tiptoeing through the ethical minefield"
Leo Hickman, pub Eden Books
Our Installer:
The Very Efficient Heating Company www.veryefficientheating.co.uk
NW England and Welsh borders tel - 0151 606 0207
email - enquiries@veryefficientheating.co.uk
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