HASLETT - After two years of planning, Haslett Community Church prepares to launch its 60-panel, 20-kilowatt rooftop solar panels.

This project will be the largest photovoltaic energy array in Meridian Township.

The panels were funded by donations from both the church community and residents in the area who raised over $59,000.

The solar system will give the church two-thirds of its electricity to host community activities which include the Haslett Community Food Pantry, Boy and Girl Scout meeting, Alcoholics Anonymous and more.

Church Pastor Kirk Kirchhoff said, "As Christians we're called upon to be good stewards of God's gifts of earth. Using renewable solar energy is an excellent way to do this, and it's very meaningful to us that we're dedicating our new solar system on the day after Earth Day."

A dedication ceremony was held at the church on April 23rd to honor Joyce Bartels, a member of Haslett Community Church who passed away at 90 last year and to whom the project is dedicated as well as donors of the project.

"She was the original recycler and really cared for God's creation," Haslett Community Church member and one of the project planners Richard Baumgartner, one of the project planners said.

The panels were delivered to the church a few days ago and they are expected to be launched this upcoming week.

"We certainly hope it will encourage like-minded people to come visit us and it will save us money in the long run, but we really do feel it's important to do what we can to help stop the degradation of the environment and we really hope it will encourage others in the township and the Greater Lansing area," Baumgartner said.