Churches and parishes invest in solar energy

The use of solar energy in churches and parishes is becoming an increasing trend in Brazil. For at least two years, several religious entities have been betting on technology as a way to minimize climate impacts and save resources. 

In September 2019, the São José da Lagoa Parish, in Rio de Janeiro, became the first church in Brazil to generate its own energy from sunlight. The space received 56 photovoltaic panels, responsible for generating 1700 kWh/month, equivalent to 40% of local consumption.

The panels were installed on the ceiling of the church in the shape of a cross and can be seen from the top of Christ the Redeemer, at the top of Corcovado Hill. In total, the equipment has already saved the entity more than R$ 40 thousand on its electricity bill. 

In the city of Iapu, in the interior of Minas Gerais, the Santo Estevão Parish also decided to implement the system. The 48 panels installed were sized to reduce the costs of the three accounts held by the parish, which totaled an average monthly value of R$ 1,650.00. After installation, the spend dropped to R$ 150.00, a reduction of over 90%.

A few kilometers from Iapu, another church in Minas Gerais also recently opted to use solar energy in its facilities. Located in Belo Horizonte, the Parish of Santo Antônio required 34 panels, which were installed on the roof of the church. The monthly cost of the electricity bill, which previously amounted to R$ 900.00, was reduced to R$ 160.00, a saving of 82%.

Pope Francis

Environmental responsibility and the risks of ecological collapse are topics routinely addressed by none other than Pope Francis, whether in his speeches or publications in books and social media. 

The need for a more sustainable society, aiming for the future of new generations, is even mentioned by him, more than once, in “Laudato si”, his second published encyclical.

In the text, the pontiff mentions that “we know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels, especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser extent, gas, needs to be progressively replaced without delay”. 

The religious also highlights in his book that “until greater progress is made in the development of widely accessible renewable energy sources, it is legitimate to choose the least harmful alternative or find short-term solutions”.