Solar energy system goes to market

SolarCraft has just completed a 35.4 kilowatt solar energy system at the new Hamilton Marketplace Complex in Novato, California. The system will enable the new shopping center to generate enough clean electricity to spare the air nearly 31 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the air filtering of 6.2 acres of trees.

Hamilton Marketplace is built on the former site of Nave Lanes and all commons areas, certain parking lot areas and walkways will be powered by 100% solar energy. The 94,000-square-foot center now supports 165 high efficiency SunPower solar modules and the new system is expected to generate 44,950 kilowatt hours annually and spans 2,210 square feet. There is potential for each tenant to purchase individual solar energy systems to power their space with renewable, clean power.

“By implementing renewable energy at Hamilton Marketplace we are significantly reducing our dependence on grid-supplied electricity and minimizing our impact on the environment,” said Whitney Sylvester, a LEED Accredited Professional and Development Coordinator for Grosvenor Americas. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be comparable to driving over 2.1 million miles. The system will pay for itself in approximately six years and will continue to provide free, clean, renewable energy for decades to come.

In May last year, SolarCraft completed another unique solar installation, this one at Paramount Farms; the world’s largest vertically integrated supplier of pistachios and almonds. The 1.1MW solar energy system at the Californian orchards and processing facility utilizes ground-mounted, Uni-SolarÒ Amorphous Thin Film Photovoltaic (PV) panels spanning across eight acres.