California mission's switch to solar power saves energy, environment

Published: 2008-01-09

PALA, Calif. (CNS) -- If parishioners at Mission San Antonio de Pala seem to have a sunny disposition these days, perhaps it's because for the first time since the old mission's founding in 1816 much of its electricity is coming from solar power. In 2007, solar panels were installed in the picnic area behind the parish's Juan Diego Center, and the parish has spent six months "trying to work out the details of getting us connected to the grid," said Father Luke Jauregui, pastor of the Pala mission, which is in the San Diego Diocese. The project involved the installation of 216 solar panels, which are divided among 18 solar arrays. Each array includes 12 solar panels, measuring 26 inches by 52 inches and generating 130 watts of electricity. The panels are mounted on an aluminum frame, which is supported by a steel tube set into a concrete foundation. The panels, which are connected to the electrical circuit that powers the center, are expected to provide a financial boon to the mission, which Father Jauregui said "struggles to keep up with all its bills."

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