TriUU Solar Dedication: Faith, Finance, and the Future

On November 8, 2025, the Tri-County Unitarian Universalists (TriUU) Congregation celebrated the installation of its new solar power system. Seventy-one panels now sit on the church roof. Rev. Spaude framed the event as an act of faith. She noted that Unitarian Universalists seek a “right relationship” with the world. The biblical call for “dominion” is better understood as stewardship, a duty to care for the planet. She stressed that transitioning to solar power is a public way to live these values. Rev. Spaude confirmed the congregation was “waiting very patiently” for the system to go live.

A Dream Realized by Partnership

TriUU President Cindy Grossman shared how the idea started. After hearing a congregation wanted to “do good things for the environment,” Susan Elwell volunteered her expertise. Cindy admitted the project first seemed impossible because “the numbers kept telling a different story”. However, Susan Elwell found an answer. Cindy emphasized that the congregation’s shared vision allowed the project to move forward.

The solution was an innovative “subscription solar” model from Terra Energy. Bruce Twiss explained the church avoided high up-front costs, loan obligations, and future maintenance fees. Terra Energy installed the system with “no money down”. The company even paid about $2,000 for roof repairs before installation.

Expected Immediate and Long-Term Savings

Bruce Twiss detailed the expected financial gains. The monthly payment for the solar service is under $300, plus a $35 charge to the utility. Consequently, the church’s total energy cost is projected to be “less than 50%” of its past monthly charges. Savings should begin immediately upon activation. Furthermore, the solar fee includes only a small 1.9% annual increase. This contrasts sharply with utility companies that keep raising rates.

Bruce explained the net metering system should use Florida’s ample sun (about 3,100 hours annually). During the day, the panels are expected to produce more power than the church consumes. A two-way meter will send the surplus back to the grid for credit, offsetting power used at night. Thus, the church aims to meet most of its needs cleanly. Bruce noted that only about 8% of Florida buildings use solar, showing a large need for improvement.

Profound Environmental Impact

Susan Elwell highlighted the public health benefits. Burning fossil fuels creates pollution like sulfur dioxide and fine dust, which causes respiratory distress. Air pollution from fossil fuels can worsen asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Therefore, using solar power directly cuts demand for pollution-creating plants.

Susan shared the project’s expected environmental scope. Over its 25-year life, the 71-panel array will offset 374 metric tons of carbon dioxide. This is equal to the work of roughly 624 trees growing for ten years. She stated that the energy from sunlight hitting the Earth in one hour could power the world for an entire year. Susan commended the congregation for modeling responsible action.

A Model for the Future

TriUU’s project stands as a statement to the community. Cindy Grossman observed, “We have built something special here that is going to last for generations… and more importantly, we will model for future generations that sustainable options do indeed exist”. Their solar panels now shine as a beacon of responsible stewardship. Cindy concluded, “We are going to figure out lots of ways to be good citizens of our planet”.