Noting the solar panels are designed to produce 102% of the campus’s power needs, Hutchins cited three primary objectives behind the project, one of which included “leading the community in responsible reduction in fossil fuels.”

“We want to use the money we'll save on electricity to fund improvements in our community programs,” he said. “We also want to limit probable future increases in costs from our power supplier, as all indications are that electric costs are going to rise.”

According to Brittany Angelo, Regional Marketing Manager, ReVision Energy, the solar conversation with GCC and Gilford Youth Center began in 2019 as part of “a larger holistic approach towards energy consumption.”  

“It started with an LED project that ReVision bid on when we were involved in the LED industry,” she said.

Opting to work with Eversource in what came to be known as Phase 1 of the Clean Energy Project, all LED lighting fixtures and lighting control systems were replaced on the church campus in April 2020.

Angelo said the opportunity to “circle back” on the solar installation project has been “great.”

 “Warren and his team were extremely diligent with the review process, pulling different people into the conversation depending on the question at hand,” she explained.

Citing the total project cost at $211,000, Hutchins said GCC is now looking to borrow up to $53,000 to completely fund the project.

“We have been able to fund the project up to this point through donations and support from Eversource,” he said. “Our hope is to receive additional support, which can help support our broader philanthropic mission in our local communities.”

Located in Gilford, Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. To support the Clean Energy Project, visit https://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/store/c2/Online_Giving.html.​

The first 100 to register receive a long sleeve Turkey Trot shirt. 

According to Pastor Michael Graham of Gilford Community Church, the “best part” about the popular holiday event is the joy he sees on participants’ faces.

“This is an event for everyone and all ages, which is the theme of our church, too,” he said. “If you are not aware of our church or our youth center, this is a great event where you can get a sense for this inclusive, welcoming community.”

The cost to register is $26 per person or $90 for a family of up to five people. To learn more, or to register, visit gilfordyouthcenter.com.

“We are installing solar panels to further reduce our carbon footprint,” explained Pastor Michael Graham, who credited Peter Stewart of Stewart Associates Architects as instrumental in the ongoing project. “His expertise and familiarity with our campus -- he drew up the plans for our remodeled church -- really helped move this project along."

Completed in April 2020, Phase 1 consisted in the replacement of all current lighting fixtures with LED lighting fixtures as well as more efficient lighting control systems on the church campus.

“Eversource also helped us conduct an electricity usage audit,” said Hutchins. “Eversource also provided financial support towards both the cost and the installation of the LED’s, which laid the groundwork for the solar panel installations, a project that should be complete by the end of September.”