Novato Auto Body Shop See the Light
Novato-based SolarCraft announced today it has completed the design and installation of a 23 kW solar electric system for Blake's Auto Body in Novato, CA.
The solar electric system utilizes (108) SunPower 210 kilowatts solar panels, installed on a Power Guard non-penetrating mounting system. The SunPower panels are very sleek, and low-profile providing a pleasing aesthetic element.
Blake Auto Body's new system is expected to generate 33,963 kilowatt hours annually, and spans over 1,534 square feet, providing the majority of the electric needs to Blake's Novato shop. Blake Andros also had SolarCraft install a 4.7 kW solar electric system on his residence in the spring.
The solar electric system will enable Blake's to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 10 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 18 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the air filtering of 4 acres of trees. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be comparable to driving over 1.2 million miles. A sound investment, the system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.
About Blake's Auto Body
Blake's Auto Body was founded by Blake Andros in San Rafael in 1976. His first professional job was painting a Lotus Elan for a friend, for which he charged $150. By age 19, Blake had "officially" opened for business. The chain has grown to include two Marin and two Sonoma County locations employing a total of 70 workers. The company generates approximately $10 million in revenues annually.
