The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is piloting what it describes as the first faith community-owned renewable energy hub in the Western Cape at the Church of the Resurrection in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town.
The installation will comprise 43 solar panels, rated at 620 W each, providing a combined nominal capacity of about 26,7 kWp. Construction is expected to continue during 2026 before the hub becomes operational.
According to SAFCEI, the infrastructure will be donated to and owned by the church, which will use the solar installation to support its community services. The project is supported by the ClimateWorks Foundation.
The Church of the Resurrection was selected as the pilot site because of its longstanding role in the community. Its soup kitchen, which serves about 1 400 people a week, is expected to be among the first initiatives to benefit, helping to reduce the church’s operating costs.
The project will also include training, workshops and community engagement aimed at building local knowledge and participation in renewable energy.
SAFCEI says the pilot intends to provide a model that can be adapted by other faith institutions and community organisations across Southern Africa.
