Solar Hot Water System at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Wyandotte received a $4,990 Community Energy Project Grant in October 2001 to demonstrate a solar hot water system. Father Charles Morris purchased solar hot water collectors 4’ x 8’, a solar control module, and an 82 gallon storage tank from Mechanical Energy Systems for $4,985 installed. St. Elizabeth had already installed a 480 watt photovoltaic system and a 403 watt wind generator.

Father Morris with assistance from Philip Holdom of Alternative Power Systems undertook a number of educational activities. Schools were invited to visit St. Elizabeth and Bishop Borgess of Redford had 21 students tour the site and take a pre and post test of renewable energy awareness. Father Morris and Mr. Holdom showed off the systems to a statewide meeting of the Michigan Energy Education Network and an ecumenical group of clergy and directors of Christian service.

St. Elizabeth and its renewable systems were featured on National Public Radio, the Detroit Free Press, the Downriver News Herald, the Michigan Catholic, and the National Catholic News Service. Father Morris plans to continue his outreach efforts to schools, other churches, and anyone interested in solar energy systems.

For further information contact:

Father Charles Morris
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
123 Goodell
Wyandotte, MI 48192
Phone: 734/284-7727
E-mail: stlizzy@mi-web.com