Good Shepherd members,

Thanks to those who have attended our presentations on the past two Sundays in May. We know there are still lingering questions about the project. That’s not surprising, as it is a significant undertaking with lots of interconnected parts.

Mission Green (Jim and Liz Fritz) is sending emails with FAQ (frequently asked questions) over the next several weeks leading up to the Congregational Vote on June 5th. 

We hope these emails will help answer these questions and alleviate concerns.

Here’s FAQ #4 about The SOLAR CANOPY PERGOLA:

“But what about those solar panels in the pergola canopy?  

Won’t it make things dark for the offices and Kinderhaus?  

Solar panels are so ugly on the backside.”

• The solar panels are bi-facial.  This means they create energy on top and bottom.  It is clear glass on both sides with clear outlines of the individual cells.  It provides “dappled light”.  They’re more efficient than traditional mono-facial panels and far more attractive on the backside.

• The panels are commercial grade, made in India so embargoes against Chinese panels shouldn’t apply.  560 watt, large = 3.75’ x 7.5’, same quality as utility-grade solar fields.

• The solar canopy will be constructed with black anodized aluminum rails for the racking structure.  The footprint is 37’ x 37’.  It is water-tight.  The canopy has dappled light around each clear glass edge of the panel (approx. 15%).  

• The pergola will be made of 8”x8” Douglas Fir with traditional post and beam construction.  The lowest edge of the wooden pergola is 9’ above grade, the highest is 14’ above grade.  The pergola canopy has a 10-degree rise from south to north.

This sample picture was taken at the Couillard Solar Foundation in Deerfield, WI. The proposed canopy would look similar.

• The permeable pavers will be light-colored and cover the entire area from sidewalk to sidewalk and the full depth to the SE corner of the pastor’s office.  Sidewalks border 3 sides with the fourth bordering the building. 

• A new "French drain system" (designed by Lindsay Erdman) would allow excess rain events to spill onto the courtyard and percolate down into the drain system. This will eliminate this wet area and help avoid potential structural issues with the building due to excess subsoil moisture.

• Since our maple trees were removed, the south side of the Education Wing is in full sun, all day.  It bakes in the sun.  The solar pergola will provide a sun shelter for the building for much of the year.  This is more efficient than running air conditioners.  The offices and Kinderhaus will be slightly darker, no doubt.  But, with the tall wooden infrastructure, it will still feel open and airy.

• There will be highly efficient LED lighting over the permeable paver courtyard.  Audio speakers will be installed for use in church services or other events.

This area is a brand new, communal space for Good Shepherd Church that can be enjoyed by all who enter the building.  It’s a new “room" added outdoors.  The possibilities for its use are endless.

Mission Green, LLC is offering a business proposal to eliminate Good Shepherd’s use of natural gas. It is a time-sensitive proposal. 

The congregation’s responsibility will be to either accept the proposal or reject it in its entirety. The Congregational vote will be on June 5th, immediately after worship.

 SAVE THE DATE 

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, following worship - SPECIAL CONGREGATION MEETING TO VOTE ON CARBON NEUTRAL INITIATIVE

At its April meeting, the Congregation Council voted to bring Mission Green, LLC’s Carbon Neutral Initiative to the congregation for a vote on June 5th.

There will be a Zoom option for voting.

Created by Good Shepherd members Jim and Liz Fritz, the proposal provides a carbon-neutral solution to help the congregation eliminate fossil fuel use and create its own renewable energy.

Information about the Carbon Neutral Initiative for Good Shepherd can be found here:

• New Mission Green videos that include the information presented at the Adult Forums and statements by local experts: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwOiVwCWNjHJLy-pcn1IZD
• Good Shepherd’s website: www.goodshepherddecorah.org/missiongreen/
• Jim and Liz’s website: www.missiongreen.llc

Jim and Liz welcome in-person conversations and questions as well as email messages: missiongreen@icloud.com

Sincerely,

Jim and Liz Fritz

Mission Green, LLC