All Saints Episcopal Church in Riverside is nearing completion of a $257,000 solar project that features a 60-by-30-foot steel pergola topped with solar panels. Set to be fully operational by mid-June, the 61-kilowatt system is expected to eliminate the church’s $1,500 monthly electric bill while generating surplus clean energy for the community.
The historic church, founded as a mission in 1884, opted for a standalone structure instead of traditional rooftop installation to preserve the Spanish Mission-style architecture of its landmark building. The solar pergola will double as a shaded gathering space for both the congregation and community, featuring ceiling fans, lighting, and electrical outlets.
“We’re sort of the poster child for long-established churches in Riverside to be going to 100% solar, and especially because of our location, you know, we’re here with RCC students and at this intersection and it’s pretty exciting,” said Francisca Johnson, a longtime member of the congregation.
The project features an extensive solar array covering almost the entire roof structure. “The roof is 3,200 square feet, and almost every inch of it is going to be covered by solar panels,” explained Steve Slaten, who has led the project from its inception. “We got a 61-kilowatt system going out, which is allowable by RPU. That is more than what we use annually, which they allow. So any energy that we generate and don’t use goes into the grid and contributes to clean energy for other people and the community. That’s a feature that we really like from the church’s standpoint—being able to share with the community.”…