Solar Power Initiative - Better for Environment and Lowers Energy Costs

A combined environmental initiative was recently completed by Christ the King Jesuit College Prep (CTK) and Chicago Jesuit Academy (CJA) who share an adjoining campus on Chicago’s West Side. Our two schools have installed solar panels on their roofs to save energy and related costs. The solar powered energy program has been in the works for more than a year with panel installation, testing, and deployment completed in late October.

The solar panels project implementation by the two Jesuit schools aligns with the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Jesuits, in particular “Caring for our Common Home”. Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si” also encouraged all people to do more to protect our natural environment and Planet Earth. In light of the increased urgency of environmental challenges, we were determined to take steps to embark on a new more sustainable path.

The use of solar panels will be better for the environment while also lowering energy costs for each school over time. CTK and CJA are proudly partnering on their solar initiatives with long-time supporters, John and Sue Dewan. Through an agreement with Dewan Solar LLC which is part of the Dewan Foundation, both non-profit schools are able to more affordably make our campuses sustainable. Dewan Solar is selling the energy produced by the solar panels at a reduced rate that allows for the panels to be purchased over time, with an expected ROI of 6-7 years.

"Our planet faces an urgent climate emergency, and at Dewan Solar, we believe we must act boldly to address it. Our mission is to make solar energy accessible to those who give so much to others. By helping entities like Christ the King go solar, we feel like we are helping to tackle this climate crisis while ensuring Christ the King continues to have all necessary resources to keep making a difference, enhancing their community, and educating the future generation. It's a privilege to invest in projects like these, which help create a better future for all." ~ John Dewan, Dewan Solar LLC

CTK is also utilizing the Illinois Solar for All program which makes solar energy accessible to underserved communities by reducing installation costs, while focusing on energy savings, job creation, and environmental justice.

“The solar program at CTK is not only the right thing to do for the environment but great for the school economically.” ~ Clem Martin, President, Christ the King Jesuit

CTK’s solar system generates approximately 391,648 kWh / Year "kilowatt-hours per year", replacing the production of 163.44 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Through CTK’s Power Purchase agreement with Dewan Solar, there is the potential to save 50-65% of energy costs, with up to $1 million in savings forecasted over the next twenty years. 

CTK’s solar panel project was managed by Juan Fuentes, Vice President of Technology & Operations, who commented, “We are thankful for the partnership of Dewan Solar and Illinois Solar for All for their guidance and expertise throughout the installation process. They helped to make it easier and more affordable for us to implement the program.”