Phase II of Aryaloka’s Energy Initiative has Started!
Phase II of Aryaloka’s Energy Initiative has Started!
If you were at Aryaloka this summer, you will have experienced the cool comfort inside due to Aryaloka’s new heating and cooling system. Not only has the new system improved the indoor climate in both domes, Aryaloka is achieving significant energy savings and efficiency.
With the heat pumps in place, Aryaloka is proceeding with Phase II of its energy initiative, installing solar panels on the roof of Akashaloka, the building behind the domes. Installing the panels involves the removal of some trees to increase the sunlight needed for electricity generation.
If you have visited Aryaloka recently, you will see that the tree removal has started. Some weaker trees that are at risk of blowing down are also being removed for safety reasons. It is never an easy decision to remove trees and we do so with regret. We will be organizing a special ritual of grief and apology for the trees. The opened space will be transformed into a beautiful place for reflection and walking as well as the growing of other plants and flowering/fruiting trees. We’ll be seeking community involvement in that process.
Cost and financing
Cost for Phase II of the energy initiative is expected to be $66,500, including the tree removal. A generous anonymous donor fully funded Phase I of the energy initiative, the installation of heat pumps this past year, at a total cost of $38,000! A big thank you to the donor and ACE Energy Services Inc. for the installation and service.
Aryaloka is securing financing for the solar phase from Eastern Bank to enable the work to be completed by year’s end. This will give Aryaloka a greater chance of securing potential Federal energy credits of up to $16,000.
Aryaloka will be launching a capital appeal in early 2026 to raise up to $66,500 to go towards paying off the financing for the project. Several sangha members have already pledged their support.
Greater comfort while saving costs
Propane costs to heat Aryaloka in 2024 increased by 40 percent. This was a major factor in moving forward with the purchase and installation of heat pumps. Significant benefits include greater energy efficiency leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. The greatest savings come from reducing dependence on propane for heat. Year-to-date 2025, our propane expense is $3,200 under-budget! Aryaloka will continue to have propane as a back-up system for heat and to power its water heater and stove.
The system has provided increased comfort during the summer months in both domes and at all levels. The electric bill was down 45 percent in June and another 7.5 percent in July. As a result, Aryaloka saved money this summer alone by not operating the less efficient, more electricity-hungry window air conditions that Aryaloka used in the past. The solar panels will enable Aryaloka to generate its own electricity to offset any increased electricity use by the heat pumps.
“These projects are an investment in Aryaloka’s sustainability. We expect energy prices will continue to increase, and these initiatives will enable us to keep our energy costs low while reducing the center’s carbon footprint. It is exciting that Aryaloka is now in a position to be substantially greener in how we operate!”
— Suddhayu, Board Chair and Center Manager.
"This solar project is an extension of our Buddhist practice. By combining our new heat pumps with clean solar energy, we’re aligning our physical infrastructure with our deepest values—interconnection, sustainability, and care for future generations.”
— Frank Quintiliani, Board Member and lead on the solar project