On Sunday, Oct. 19, Temple Emunah hosted its SunDay Solar Canopies Celebration, marking the fifth anniversary of the synagogue’s solar canopy system — an event that shined as both a celebration of a milestone and an educational opportunity for the wider community.
More than 80 people — temple members, guests and representatives from local organizations — came together to reflect on the success of a visionary project that continues to benefit Temple Emunah and the planet. Serving as master of ceremonies, Vice President of Facilities Alan Sherman opened the event by connecting the theme to the week’s Torah portion: “G-d said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” He noted how fitting it was to celebrate a project centered on sunlight and renewal.
Installed in 2020, the temple’s 336-kilowatt solar canopy system stands as the largest synagogue solar installation in Massachusetts and one of the top five among houses of worship statewide. The system was made possible through a Power Purchase Agreement with solar energy firm Sunwealth, which financed, owns and maintains the installation — at no cost to the temple. The arrangement saves Temple Emunah about 10 percent annually on its $50,000 to $60,000 electricity bill and even provides rental income from the array’s owner.
More importantly, the system reduces Temple Emunah’s carbon footprint and also benefits the community. Because the canopies produce 162 percent of the congregation’s energy needs, the excess electricity is sold at a discount to low-income families in the Boston area as part of a Community Solar initiative.
Senator Michael J. Barrett, Chair of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, spoke about the importance of solar energy in the Commonwealth, and the need for individuals and organizations to engage with legislators to push forward with solar initiatives. “We need to hear from you that solar is a part of the solution as you see it. The laws are constantly changing and the market is in turbulence. We have to revamp, regroup, but also relaunch new initiatives to keep us on track here in Massachusetts, and I need as much advice as I can get,” said Barrett. “I want to congratulate the temple because five years is a long time in this business. You took a first step when few people were, and I’m here to say thank you.”
In his remarks, Lexington Select Board Member Mark Sandeen said, “We are celebrating today one of my favorite projects in Lexington. We have an energy affordability crisis in Massachusetts, and as the Emunah team identified, solar is the lowest cost energy available today. Temple Emunah realized that a solar array in their parking lot could produce more than enough energy to cover the temple’s needs, and they wanted to share with their neighbors. Solar lowers the cost of energy for everyone by reducing the need to build new power plants, transmission lines and substations. For that reason, the Town of Lexington recently adopted a policy to install solar canopies in all of our parking lots, because we’re seeing your example.”
Additional speakers included Rabbi Eliana Willis, Assistant Rabbi of Temple Emunah; Hebrew College Rabbinic Intern Carrie Watkins of Temple Emunah; Fred Davis, President of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network; Michael Reed, Executive Director of Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light; and Madeleine Barr, Chief Growth & Impact Officer of Resonant Energy, the project’s developer. Together, they offered insights on solar policy, community partnerships, and the power of collaboration among faith communities in the fight against climate change.
Following the speakers’ presentations, attendees enjoyed sun-themed refreshments and birthday cake while discussing solar opportunities for their own homes and institutions. Tours of the canopies offered an up-close look at how the system operates and the tangible impact it continues to make.
Temple Emunah’s solar celebration was more than a look back — it was a call forward. As Select Board Member Mark Sandeen concluded, “Whenever you see a solar energy system like this beautiful one out in the parking lot, remember this project is an example of what a group of dedicated individuals can achieve focusing on the outcomes they desire to repair the world for the common good for everyone.”
To view a recording of the Solar Canopies Celebration, visit LexMedia’s website.
