SolarCraft Helps North Bay Schools Go Solar
Novato and Sonoma-based SolarCraft announced the completion of a 98.5 kW solar electric system for The Cypress School and River Montessori Charter School in Petaluma, CA. The building is owned by United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, who also sponsors the Cypress School. The solar power system is shared by the two organizations who will both see significant savings from clean energy for decades to come.
Designed and installed by SolarCraft, a leading North Bay solar provider for over 33 years, the solar power system was carefully installed to overcome a number of technical and logistical challenges to ensure student and staff safety at the busy campus. The SolarCraft Operations Team interconnected the solar systems to three separate meters, maintained an existing rigorous roof warranty, and planned and executed the installation very carefully to minimize interruptions of the day-today operations of the schools.
"The energy savings are providing additional funds for our enrichment activities including Cypress/River Integrated Play Groups, we're very happy to be producing clean energy," said Laura Briggin, Cypress School Director.
With the industry-wide price reductions seen over the last few years, the SolarCraft Energy system will pay for itself very quickly. Generating approximately140,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually, the system was designed to offset over 90% in their electric bills for the next 30 years.
Over the next 30 years, the solar system will prevent the emissions of more than 108 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing the air pollution produced by more than 235,000 miles of driving or CO2 removed by 93 acres of trees in one year.
SolarCraft offers unique financing options for non-profit organizations, solutions that are catered to the unique needs of each client that allowing them to capture the financial and environmental benefits of solar without any initial investment or ongoing operating costs. Ultimately the finance payments are typically less than paying PG&E, so the projects are saving money immediately.
About United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay
UCP of the North Bay is a locally run, non-profit organization. As an affiliate of UCP serving Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties, they provide services for children and adults with disabilities and their families living in Northern California.
About River Montessori School
River Montessori Charter School is a public, tuition-free charter school that provides students with a learning culture grounded in Montessori Philosophy. It is a learning community where children are inspired to realize their academic, personal, and social potential to become global citizens.
