Case Study: Christian Brothers Center

The Christian Brothers Center, located in Narragansett, Rhode Island, is a multifaceted campus with a residence for retired and active Brothers and the Ocean Tides School, which provides residential, educational and social services for at-risk boys in grades 7-12. The campus also has conference and meeting space and administrative offices.

The Christian Brothers were already employing environmentally conscious practices for their facility but wanted to do more. Inspired by Pope Francis’s call to action in Laudato Si’ to be responsible for the care of the planet and each other, the Center looked for a solution that could balance their goal to reduce their carbon footprint with fiscal responsibility. Solar power seemed the next logical step, but leadership was concerned about preserving capital. The Christian Brothers reached out to Mission Energy based on the developer’s demonstrated experience with other projects through the Catholic Energies program.

Mission Energy’s comprehensive approach included energy data analysis, preliminary array design, financial modeling, and a site review. Mission Energy determined that the Center’s roof would need to be replaced to hold solar panels and provided alternative designs utilizing available land to host the panels. The Center ultimately decided to proceed with installing a ground-mounted array.

Next, Mission Energy and the Christian Brothers Center turned to financing the project. To preserve capital, the Center pursued a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a third-party energy provider, Madison Energy Infrastructure, serving as the long-term owner and operator of the solar array. “As a long-term partner, Madison Energy Infrastructure is dedicated to providing our clients with certain, speedy, and trustworthy energy solutions,” said Zachary Muzdakis, Director of Market Development. “The solar system at the Christian Brothers Center is a testament to the power of solar energy and its ability to deliver significant long-term benefits."

In addition to facilitating the investor partnership, Mission Energy identified state-level Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and a renewable energy fund grant that could be used to help finance the project. Throughout, Mission Energy managed the entire process, negotiating contracts, sourcing subcontractors to perform the installation, navigating local zoning issues, and serving as construction manager through project completion in December 2023.

The Inspectors

Throughout the installation, a group of retired Brothers affectionately dubbed the “Inspectors,” closely monitored the progress. “They kept track of the construction almost daily, would report back and ask questions. I even had to ask one Brother, who is 94, to keep a safe distance away because he was getting too close to the activity,” shared Brother Michael Shubnell, the Center's Director of Operations. Their involvement underscored the communal spirit and shared commitment to sustainability that defined this endeavor.

For the Christian Brothers Center, this solar project was a testament to the importance of a trusted partnership and commitment to a shared objective.

Brother Shubnell emphasized the critical nature of partnering with a reliable solar developer:

“Make sure you trust your solar developer partner. Instead of a few months, our partnership lasted three years. Mission Energy remained persistent, resilient and dedicated to adjusting and overcoming the project delays that they had little control over. They fulfilled the project beginning to end with our deep satisfaction and appreciation.”

The Results

The result is a 217 kW DC solar system estimated to produce 285,200 kWh per year, offsetting approximately 80% of the facility’s energy usage. The environmental benefits are substantial. The system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 220 tons per year, which is equivalent to planting 3,294 trees for 10 years, removing 47 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road annually, or providing electricity for 39 homes each year.

A tailored approach and dedicated, collaborative project management secured both economic savings for the Christian Brothers Center, and enhanced its contribution to a sustainable future, setting a commendable example for other nonprofits.