Balcony power plant on the railing of an apartment building. Photo: epd-bild/Heike Lyding
Bringing about sustainable change, promoting care for creation, and intergenerational justice
(LWI) - The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria (ECACA) has launched a campaign titled “Building Austria’s largest balcony solar power system together.” The initiative aims to create a network of small-scale solar power systems installed on balconies, inviting all parishes and their members to participate.
This “largest balcony power system in Austria” will comprise many units designed for sustainability and efficiency. Each installation consists of two solar panels connected to an inverter, which converts solar energy into usable household electricity. The systems are specifically engineered to withstand local weather conditions such as wind and hail.
The campaign partner for this project is an Austrian solar unit provider. He offers the system at a reduced price to “make climate action affordable for everyone,” explained Dietmar Kanatschnig, the church’s executive for climate protection and sustainable development.
Kanatschnig highlighted the “many advantages” of installing a balcony solar power system. “From an economic perspective, each installation immediately reduces the operator’s electricity bill, particularly because the utility transmission fees that normally apply to grid electricity are not charged for self-generated power in Austria,” he said.
Involving individual church members helps raise awareness and promotes the acceptance of renewable energies in society.
Dietmar Kanatschnig, ECACA executive for climate protection and sustainable development
Balcony solar power systems also strengthen the independence from communal or other large power plants and “reduce dependence on fossil fuels and on the countries providing them,” emphasized Kanatschnig. “Involving individual church members also helps raise awareness and promote the acceptance of renewable energies in society,” he said.
The campaign is directed explicitly at parishes that have been unable to use solar energy for financial reasons or restrictions related to preserving historically protected church buildings. It also welcomes the participation of parish members.
“Only through joint efforts can we bring about sustainable change,” said ECACA Bishop Michael Chalupka. He emphasized the importance of not leaving climate care to political actors alone, especially since it concerned future generations. “Every balcony solar power system is a symbol of our determination to care for creation and to use our resources responsibly,” the bishop said.
This initiative aligns with the global Lutheran communion’s commitment to care for creation. The Thirteenth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) adopted a “Resolution on the climate emergency,” calling on LWF member churches to “incorporate climate justice campaigns into their activities” and encouraging “LWF member churches to reduce their emissions.”
Source: Evangelische Kirche startet Aktion „Größtes Balkonkraftwerk Österreichs“
