On July 31, the Mosque Foundation of Illinois inaugurated the first solar-powered water heating system to be used in a U.S. mosque. The solar thermal system preheats water using solar energy instead of natural gas. It will replace the existing water heating system and provide hot water to all visitors as they wash before prayers. The system will help the Mosque Foundation significantly reduce their heating expenses and within 10 years, the system will have paid for itself.

The Mosque Foundation, located in Bridgeview, is one of the most visited mosques in the United States and serves more than 50,000 people per year, providing its community with social services, activities for young people and educational programs.

The solar project was completed in partnership with Faith in Place, a not-for-profit that has helped hundreds of Illinois religious congregations adopt better environmental practices, including the installation of energy saving devices, wind energy systems and geothermal heat systems. The system, which cost $23,000 to install, was purchased in part with a State of Illinois rebate and a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Faith in Place, an Illinois non-profit, helped secure this funding.

Posted on August 5, 2008