The Pope Goes Solar at Home in Germany

Pope Benedict XVI is continuing his considerable green streak by adding solar panels to his home in Germany. In June, the Vatican announced plans to add photovoltaic cells to the roof of the Paul VI auditorium to illuminate, heat and cool the building. Benedict XVI was also declared “The Green Pope” by Newsweek in 2008 for his efforts to urge Catholics to take care of the earth.

From Ecorazzi:

For his home near near Regensburg, Germany, over 580 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels were installed on the rooftop. The only condition for the project was that no church funds be used — so naturally, everything was donated. When tweaked and running, the panels are expected to output about 5,800 kilowatt hours of energy a year, which corresponds to saving 11 barrels of petroleum.

The project was commissioned not only for the environmental benefits, but also to produce income (which may amount to $3,500 a year), by providing the German electricity grid with energy. According to a German newspaper, the money will go to an association that offers skills and job training to disadvantaged youths.

This is awesome, considering the huge amount of influence the Pope has on so many people. For a long time, many Christians have seemed pretty apathetic about protecting the environment for whatever reason (in the event of the rapture, who cares what’s left of the planet?). So, it’s nice to see things like this – and “creation care” – taking hold.

Link [Ecorazzi]
Photo credit: Flickr user Wayne National Forest

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