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C1c. Please <br />describe your <br />project’s benefits, <br />including those that <br />are quantifiable. (150 <br />word limit) <br />The St. Joseph’s CME Church Solar Project will lower energy costs, cut <br />greenhouse gas emissions, and support Chapel Hill’s historically Black <br />Northside Neighborhood. A 23.4 kW solar array will offset 19.8 metric tons <br />of CO annually—471 metric tons over 25 years. The church will save <br />$1,253 per year on utilities and over $80,000 lifetime, assuming a 5% IRR <br />and rising Duke Energy Commercial Rate Tariffs. Because congregants <br />fund operating costs, these savings ease their energy burden, a critical <br />benefit in a neighborhood facing gentrification and displacement. The <br />project also advances clean energy education, having already engaged <br />with the congregation through town halls and technical assistance packets. <br />Research shows non-residential solar can spur residential adoption; the <br />church’s visibility offers ripple effects for broader climate action. By <br />centering racial and energy equity, the project delivers measurable <br />environmental impact and strengthens resilience in a historically <br />underserved community. <br />C1d. Please choose <br />the best description <br />for the type of <br />project*: <br />Clean Energy Infrastructure – New <br />C1e. W hat is the <br />main way that this <br />project helps fight <br />climate change? <br />(select one): <br />Renewable Energy <br />C1f. Please select <br />the jurisdiction(s) <br />where your project is <br />focused and briefly <br />state how your <br />project aligns with <br />the relevant Climate <br />Action Plans: <br />Town of Chapel Hill/Town of Chapel Hill Climate Action and Response Plan <br />Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873