HBT’s Solar Panel Campaign
Go green. Save money. Power our future.
First step! Help HBT Unlock a Potential $50,000 Matching Grant
Our goal is to raise $50,000 by early January 2026 to position HBT as strongly as possible for the potential matching grant.
Every dollar you donate to our Solar and Sustainability Campaign brings us closer to unlocking a potential matching grant from the Jewish Solar Challenge.
HBT is a finalist in their application process, and reaching $50,000 strengthens our position.
This is a rare opportunity. Your gift today helps HBT qualify for the match and doubles the impact your donation can have on our future.
Double My GiftWho Is the Jewish Solar Challenge?
The Jewish Solar Challenge is a national initiative that helps Jewish organizations explore renewable energy solutions. They provide guidance, technical expertise and the possibility of matching grants to support solar adoption in synagogues, schools and community institutions.
HBT is currently a finalist in their application process. If we raise $50,000, we will be positioned as strongly as possible for the potential matching grant.
Learn more at www.jewishsolarchallenge.com
What This Project Will Accomplish
Replace the Roof
Our roof is nearly 30 years old and must be replaced soon to prevent leaks, interior damage and rising future costs. A safe, durable, solar ready roof protects our sanctuary, classrooms and community spaces.
Install Solar Panels
The 126 panel array (54.81 kW DC) will generate most of the electricity used on the HBT campus each year. This reduces our reliance on grid power, lowers long term energy costs and supports our move away from fossil fuels on the office and classroom side of the building.
Electrify with Heat Pumps
Expanding to the full 126 panel system and adding heat pumps increases the total project cost by about $115,000 compared to the smaller baseline option. This investment allows HBT to reduce dependence on the aging oil furnace on the office and classroom side of the building and significantly lower carbon emissions.
Solar generation, available rebates and financing options make the heat pump addition a responsible and achievable step toward long term sustainability.
Financial Impact: Responsible, Sustainable, Forward Thinking
The annual solar payment for the 126 panel system is estimated at a minimum of $16,500 per year. Solar generation reduces long term exposure to rising electricity prices and helps stabilize HBT’s operating budget.
Donations now reduce the total amount HBT must finance. Every gift keeps more money in our community and supports a strategic, values aligned investment in our long term stability.
Your Gift Brings the Light
This year end campaign invites every household to participate. Your gift will:
- Replace the roof
- Install solar panels
- Add heat pumps
- Reduce HBT’s carbon footprint
- Position HBT to qualify for a potential matching grant when we reach our $50,000 goal
- Support the broader $150,000 annual fundraising goal that sustains our programs
Ways to Give
- One time donation
- Multi year pledge
- Give in honor or memory of a loved one
- Gifts of appreciated stock
- End of year charitable giving before December 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Why combine Hanukkah with a solar campaign?
Hanukkah celebrates resilience, resourcefulness and the miracle of light. Solar energy is a modern expression of those same values and supports our commitment to stewardship and sustainability.
Is this financially responsible?
Yes. If we are awarded the potential Jewish Solar Challenge grant, are successful in this campaign and secure financing for the balance, the monthly loan payments should not exceed what we currently spend on electricity and oil combined.
How does this connect to HBT’s identity?
Tikkun Olam and Shomrei Adamah have long been core pillars of HBT. This project embodies those values by reducing our environmental impact and caring for our building for future generations.
Can I speak to someone about a larger gift or pledge?
Yes. Please contact Lenny Markowitz or Jason for information about leadership gifts, multiyear pledges or naming opportunities.
Join Us: Help HBT Shine Brighter for Generations
Together we can bring light into the winter and build a synagogue that shines sustainably and joyfully every day of the year. Help us meet the $50,000 goal and position HBT for the potential match.
Adopt a Solar Panel for $400
Adopt a panel and help power HBT’s future. You can adopt one panel or adopt several. Every adoption is doubled through the Jewish Solar Challenge, so your $400 becomes $800.
Adoption Levels
- Adopt a Panel: $400
- Adopt Two Panels: $800
- Adopt Three Panels: $1,200
- Adopt a Row of Panels: $4,000
- Adopt a Section: $10,000
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar.
Adopted Panels
We will update this list as panels are adopted.
- Panel 3: In honor of the Chaverim School teachers
- Panel 14: In memory of Esther Wilson