Oceanside, CA
St. Margaret Parish is a cornerstone of its community, providing a spiritual sanctuary and a hub for essential outreach programs. For a faith-based organization, the stewardship of resources is a core value—ensuring that every dollar donated by the congregation is used to further the church’s mission rather than being lost to soaring utility costs. In 2017, St. Margaret Parish partnered with Stellar Solar Commercial to transition its campus to renewable energy, transforming its sun-drenched roof into a long-term financial asset that supports its community goals.
The solar installation at St. Margaret Parish was designed to meet the specific energy profile of a modern church campus, which includes sanctuary lighting, climate control for fellowship halls, and administrative offices. Stellar Solar Commercial engineered a robust 55.38kW (DC) system that integrates seamlessly with the parish’s architecture while delivering maximum energy yield.
The technical specifications of this project include:
-156 LG 355S2W-A5 Modules: Selected for their industry-leading efficiency and aesthetic appeal, these LG NeON® 2 modules were the premier choice in 2017. Their high-performance cells ensure that even with a compact footprint, the parish generates a massive amount of clean energy.
-55.38kW Installed Capacity: This system was sized to offset a substantial portion of the parish’s daily electrical load, providing a reliable and predictable source of power.
-Operational Since 2017: Placed into service nearly a decade ago, this system has already delivered a significant return on investment, shielding the parish from years of utility rate hikes.
For a non-profit organization, electricity is often one of the largest “uncontrollable” expenses. By generating its own power on-site, St. Margaret Parish has effectively reclaimed control over its budget. In the 2026 energy landscape, where rates for San Diego and Orange County religious institutions have reached historic highs, the foresight of this installation is more valuable than ever.
Every kilowatt-hour produced by the sun is a kilowatt-hour the parish does not have to purchase from the grid. This creates a permanent stream of savings that can be redirected toward:
-Youth and Education Programs: Enhancing the resources available for religious education and community youth groups.
-Facility Maintenance: Preserving the beauty and safety of the parish grounds for future generations.
-Charitable Outreach: Increasing the impact of the church’s local food drives, housing assistance, and missions.
Since 1998, Stellar Solar Commercial has been the preferred partner for California’s churches, synagogues, and non-profits. We understand that these projects require a unique level of transparency and professional care. Our 28-year legacy is built on helping mission-driven organizations achieve energy independence with $0-down financing options and expert engineering.
Our in-house team handles the entire process—from initial site feasibility and structural analysis to navigating the specific permitting and utility interconnection requirements for non-profits. We specialize in designing systems that respect the sacred space of the campus while delivering industrial-grade performance.
As we move through 2026, the strategy for faith-based solar has evolved to include Solar + Battery Storage. For many parishes, adding a battery system allows them to store excess daytime energy for use during evening services and community events, further insulating the organization from peak-hour utility surcharges.
Stellar Solar Commercial remains at the forefront of this transition, helping California’s faith leaders build a resilient, low-cost energy future. We turn rooftops into powerful tools for stewardship.
If your parish or non-profit is ready to follow the lead of St. Margaret Parish and reclaim control over your energy future, contact Stellar Solar Commercial today at 858-395-6905. We provide comprehensive, free site evaluations to help your organization shine.