A church in central Hereford has installed solar panels on its roof in a bid to cut costs and carbon emissions.
The new Abbott of Belmont, Father Brendan Thomas OSB, blessed the panels at a special roof top commemoration.
As parish priest at St Francis Xavier, Commercial Street, Hereford, Father Brendan gave the go ahead for the panels despite the initial outlay of ÂŁ20,000, which included installation.
Says Church Secretary, John Cook, âIt a big capital investment for us but we hope to generate it back within seven years by saving money and power. The panels are unobtrusive and cannot be seen from the street.â
The 28 panel-system is expected to generate 11,528 kilowatts of power a year. This saves approximately 2,448 kilos of carbon.
Adds John, âSolar energy makes good environmental sense and has proved a literal godsend for us.
âWe aim to keep the church open every day between 8.00 AM and 5.00 PM which means more lighting and heating.
âMany people drop in for a quiet few moments or to look around. We welcome people from all around the world of all faiths and none.â
The open church idea is proving a hit with visitor numbers rising as people seek divine power as well as solar
