Our wind turbine and solar panels are installed and putting our faith into action producing energy!

In the Fall of 2010 the Renewable Energy committee completed a vision for renewable energy at UUAA that began in 2002 with discussion of installing a wind turbine as our "steeple", a visible symbol of our commitment to caring for our environment.

The Renewable Energy committee stated in their proposal to the congregation: "We recognize that many human activities, especially those regarding energy, are having negative effects on the environment. We believe that through concerted group action we can help both reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and demonstrate solutions for a clean energy future to the Congregation and the general public.

*NEW* -- The Energy Plaza was installed on August 5th, 2011. View photos...

The original "wind turbine project" eventually went hybrid and includes BOTH a a 2.5 kilowatt wind turbine atop a 90 foot monopole and 48 solar panels installed on the south church roof, representing 10,800 watts of energy.

The projects were largely funded by individual donors. The solar component allowed the congregation to take advantage of DTE's Solar Currents incentive program, generating more than $20,000 for the solar panel installation.

The key objectives cited by the committee and donors include:

• Energy – Help to lead the way to a clean energy future by producing as much electrical
power as possible from clean renewable resources.
• Education – Teach the next generation and the general public by providing useful data
about energy production and consumption online, such that other individuals and
groups can learn and take action as a result.
• Environmental Impact – Minimize the carbon footprint of the congregation (helping to avert
the dramatic effects of Global Climate Change), and reduce other emissions and waste
products that would result from non-renewable energy sources.
• Financial – Reduce the cost of power purchased from external sources, and support the
growth of the renewable energy industries through direct financial investment.
• Aesthetic – Public perception of Wind turbines and Solar PV is increasingly positive,
whereas nuclear reactors and coal fired power plants are increasingly viewed as
negative. This project will present a positive image of the congregation’s support for a
clean energy future.
• Inspirational / Symbolic: This project clearly demonstrates the convictions of the
congregation and reiterates the Core Values through vision, compassion, and action.

Learn more about renewable energy projects:

How does the wind turbine work?

Site Plan for the Renewable Energy Project

Other links:

Renewable Energy Projects at other UU Congregations around the U.S.

Visit the UU Ministry for Earth web site.

The contact email address for the renewable energy project is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it