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For members at the University Park Church of the Brethren, inspiration has always come from the heavens. Now their electricity comes from there, too.

The church is now powered almost entirely by solar energy, thanks to a project led by University Park Community Solar LLC, a group dedicated to expanding use of renewable energy in the town. The 99-panel, 22-kilowatt system was installed on the church's roof in May, and was activated July 22.

"We were impatient about it and eager to see it happen as quickly as it could happen," said church Pastor Kim McDowell. "We are delighted that the panels are now producing power that can be used."

The panels were installed at a cost of about $130,000, which was paid by the solar group's 35 or so members, most of whom live in the town. The group, which was formed in 2007, used free borrowed panels to light last winter's town holiday tree.

Members could eventually see an unspecified return on their investment — energy provider Pepco would store unused energy and reimburse them for any excess energy produced — but UPCS co-founder Dave Brosch said the group's main goal is to encourage residents and non-residents to consider replacing traditional energy sources with environmentally friendly energy.

"I think it's created awareness in town," Brosch said. "Hopefully, there will be some other people who want to get involved."

McDowell said the panels will likely produce power at a rate exceeding the church's demand. McDowell added that the church's power purchase agreement stipulates it will only pay less than or equal to Pepco's traditional energy rate, which has usually amounted to about $2,500 to $3,000 per year.

"Right now, the meter is running backward so we're producing more than is being used," she said Tuesday. "We fully expect that [UPCS] will make a little bit of money on that power."

The group sought out the church because it was a visible building in the town and had ideal solar conditions that many homes in University Park lack. The town's abundant tree cover prevents many homes from collecting enough sunlight for solar panels, while many also lack a southern exposure that panels need.

Church leaders formally agreed to enter the project in April, a few months after the congregation voted to do so. UPCS paid for the materials and installation — supplied by Gaithersburg-based Standard Solar Inc. — and the church will pay for energy costs.

The system's activation was delayed for several weeks, Brosch said, while Standard Solar and Pepco made equipment improvements. After a longer-than-expected wait, the panels went online July 22.

"It's going to bring down the cost for the church and will hopefully be educational for the community, as a sample project," said state Sen. Paul Pinsky (D-Dist. 22) of University Park. "It's great to see communities like this pulling together and supporting each other."

Brosch said the group plans more projects and is currently discussing a panel installation at University Park Elementary with Prince George's County school officials. He said the group's environmentally friendly example may already be taking effect.

"My neighbor across the street has decided to put panels on their roof," Brosch said. "I think it's created awareness in town. Hopefully, there will be some other people who want to get involved."