Plankton Energy Powers First United Methodist Church in Williamstown, NJ with Rooftop Solar System
Williamstown, NJ — First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Williamstown, New Jersey, has taken a meaningful step toward environmental stewardship and financial sustainability through a partnership with Plankton Energy. The newly energized 33.165-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system will provide clean, low-cost electricity to the church through a behind-the-meter power purchase agreement (PPA)—delivering significant utility savings at no upfront cost.
This project reflects FUMC’s commitment to service, sustainability, and responsible resource management. By transitioning to solar energy, the church is reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, lowering operating costs, and reinforcing its mission of community care and environmental responsibility.
Faith-Driven Sustainability
Installed on the roof of the church, the 33.165 kW system is expected to produce more than 39,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually. Under the PPA structure, FUMC will purchase this solar power directly from Plankton Energy at a rate below the local utility’s pricing—resulting in immediate savings on energy expenses without taking on debt or capital investment.
“This project allows us to be better stewards of both God’s creation and our financial resources,” said a representative from FUMC. “With Plankton’s support, we’re able to reduce our energy costs and redirect those savings to our ministry and mission work.”
A Practical Model for Houses of Worship
For faith-based organizations, utility costs can represent a significant portion of the annual budget. Plankton’s solar PPA model enables churches, synagogues, mosques, and other nonprofit institutions to access the benefits of clean energy—without the financial or operational burden of system ownership.
FUMC’s decision to host a solar system not only lowers electricity costs but also demonstrates leadership in environmental stewardship to the broader Williamstown community. As a highly visible, community-serving institution, the church’s solar transition serves as a powerful model for other mission-driven organizations.
Environmental Impact and Long-Term Savings
Over the lifetime of the system, FUMC is expected to save more than $120,000 in energy costs while avoiding over 280 metric tons of carbon emissions—equivalent to taking more than 60 gas-powered vehicles off the road or avoiding 32,000 gallons of gasoline consumed.
These savings will allow the church to reinvest in essential programs, from youth development and outreach services to food drives and family support. At the same time, the church is helping New Jersey meet its clean energy targets through local, distributed generation.
Supported by New Jersey’s SuSI Program
The FUMC solar project was supported by the New Jersey Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, a statewide initiative designed to accelerate clean energy deployment. SuSI offers performance-based financial incentives to solar developers and hosts, making solar more financially viable for nonprofits and small institutions.
New Jersey remains one of the nation’s leading states for solar energy, thanks to programs like SuSI that make the technology accessible to organizations that need it most.
Turnkey Development from Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy served as the full-service development partner for the project—handling system design, permitting, utility interconnection, and PPA structuring. With its focus on zero-upfront-cost solar, Plankton empowers churches and other mission-driven institutions to adopt renewable energy without distraction from their core work.
From rooftop systems to community solar partnerships, Plankton provides a streamlined path to sustainability tailored to each organization’s goals, property type, and financial constraints.
“At Plankton, we believe clean energy should be accessible to every organization, no matter its size or budget,” said a company spokesperson. “First United Methodist Church is showing how even small rooftops can have a big impact—on their community and on the planet.”
Project Snapshot: First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, NJ
- System Size: 33.165 kW DC
- Estimated Annual Generation: ~39,000 kWh
- Building Type: Church
- System Type: Rooftop, Behind-the-Meter
- Mounting Type: Fixed-Tilt Roof Mount
- Agreement Type: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
- Incentive Participation: New Jersey SuSI Program
- Host Benefits: Utility cost reduction, no upfront investment, long-term savings
- Environmental Impact: ~280 metric tons CO₂ avoided over system lifetime
About Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a national turnkey solar developer dedicated to helping churches, schools, nonprofits, and small businesses transition to clean energy through zero-upfront-cost solutions. Plankton’s customized solar offerings enable organizations to cut costs, lower emissions, and advance their missions through renewable power.