Zen Center of Denver Unveils 9.7-kWDC Solar Installation

The Zen Center of Denver (ZCD) has officially commissioned a new 9.7-kWDC solar energy system, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability and community service. The project, which came online on June 15, 2024, is the result of a collaborative effort with the climate justice nonprofit RE-volv, with the installation expertly handled by Bluecore Solar.

A Mission-Aligned Investment After Zen Center of Denver Unveils 9.7-kWDC Solar Installation

This solar array is poised to deliver substantial financial and environmental benefits. Over the next two decades, the Zen Center anticipates saving nearly $80,000 in electricity costs, with an immediate 15% reduction in its monthly utility bills. The environmental impact is equally impressive, with the system expected to prevent the emission of 538,700 pounds of carbon dioxide over its lifespan—a crucial reduction in a state that still largely relies on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas for power.

Joyce McLaren, a board member at the Zen Center, highlighted the project’s alignment with their core values. “This solar initiative exemplifies the Zen principle of taking Right Action to alleviate suffering in the world,” she stated. “The savings will directly support our mission, including offering mindfulness classes to the community. Beyond financial benefits, there are significant environmental and health advantages from cutting emissions tied to electricity consumption.”

The Power of Partnership After Zen Center of Denver Unveils 9.7-kWDC Solar Installation

The collaboration was facilitated by RE-volv, a nonprofit dedicated to helping community-serving organizations nationwide transition to solar. “RE-volv is excited to partner with the Zen Center of Denver, enabling them to spearhead the adoption of solar energy in their community,” said Andreas Karelas, executive director and founder of RE-volv. “This collaboration aims to strengthen the Zen Center’s dedication to sustainability, bridging their teachings of mindfulness with practical steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future.”

RE-volv’s work has been instrumental for over 70 nonprofits across 18 states, helping them install more than 4 MW of solar capacity and collectively save over $20 million. These efforts are projected to avert 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

Projects like this are particularly vital in Colorado, where the adoption of solar by nonprofits and commercial entities often serves as a catalyst, encouraging more widespread solar adoption for residential properties. Furthermore, recent updates to the Inflation Reduction Act have made such projects more feasible for tax-exempt organizations by offering direct cash rebates covering 30% or more of installation costs. To celebrate the system’s activation, the Zen Center held an open house, complete with educational sessions to inspire others to explore clean energy solutions.

Sources

1. Clean energy at work
2. Zen Center of Denver – Project | RE-volv
3. News – Green World Renewable Energy
4. Zen Center of Denver goes solar with 9.7-kW array
5. Recent Solar Power Articles
6. [PDF] 2024 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT – Vermilion Energy