Smithtown church gets solar panels

Workers are expected to begin installing 48 solar panels at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Smithtown this week.

“We’re looking to go green,” said Bob Reimertz, who serves on the church’s vestry.

Reimertz said the investment will mean saving $2,500 in annual electricity bills because “we’re using free power from the sun.”

He said the project should be completed by early next month.

The church received a $28,000 loan for the project through the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island from a national church building fund, he said. It expects to receive a rebate through the Long Island Power Authority.

At least seven other churches and faith-based institutions on Long Island use solar power, according to the nonprofit group Renewable Energy Long Island.