St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will commemorate Earth Day this year with the celebration of a renewable energy milestone, installing 82 solar panels spanning 2,420 square feet on the roof of its Celebration Hall.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, and will include remarks from Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas School, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony provided by the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“The installation of our solar panel system is estimated to generate 88,700 kilowatt-hours per year,” said Bob Kerr, chairman of the church’s Solar Panel Committee. “According to the EPA, this amount of kilowatt-hours saved is equivalent to carbon sequestered by 51.3 acres of U.S. forests or CO2 emitted from over 4.8 million smartphones being charged.”

As part of its mission, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is focused on care for creation and environmental responsibility.

“As a faith community, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church believes we are called to model, promote good kinship, care for, and protect God’s creation,” church leadership said in a statement. “The installation of solar panels at St. Peter’s is a step toward moving this faith toward action in a meaningful display and commitment to our planet and community.”

Founded in the early 1960s, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has been a cornerstone of the Litchfield Park community for decades. The church campus includes a sanctuary, parish hall, thrift store and the recently added Celebration Hall.

It is also home to St. Peter’s Episcopal Montessori School, which offers programs for children from 12 months through elementary grades.

Visit stpetersaz.com for more information or attend the event in person at 400 S Old Litchfield Road.