Congregation Sinai of San Jose, CA

Sinai Goes Solar

We are up and running!!!

Click on this link to see how much power we are generating, and how we are reducing our carbon footprint.

In 2007 the B'nei Mitzvah Class of 5768 brainstormed ideas for a class Tikkun Olam project. They came up with the idea of getting solar PV panels for the synagogue's roof. It would take reduce the shul's carbon footprint and its utility bill. The class did some research, and presented their plan to the Board of Directors. They determined how much it would cost to get panels installed, and compared it with the long-term savings. They had planned on raising some of the money that would be required to get the project going.

Then the adults took over and formed a committee, which of course slowed down the project quite a bit. There were many options to solar panel installation, including reduced and no-cost installations that would eliminate the need to raise money, but would result in less saving on a monthly basis. There were quite a few companies that started to appear which had a solution "just right" for us. After multiple presentations, spreadsheets and changes in the committee, an agreement was finally reached with Solar City, which installs and finances solar projects throughout the region. Installation began in late August of 2011.

Please join us for a short ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of Sinai's new solar commitment, followed by a community luncheon and sustainable food & energy social action event.

Sunday, November 6, 12:00-1:30 pm

12:00 Solar Roof Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the new solar panels
12:30 Lunch (using locally-grown produce) & Presentation by Full Circle Farm in Sunnyvale
• Pop quiz for children and adults on food and energy conservation!