746 roof-mounted solar modules, delivering 100 kilowatts of clean energy, has set a new standard making the Kentfield based business California's largest solar powered grocery store. "We have operated Woodlands Market since 1986," says Don Santa, Owner and C.E.O. of Woodlands Market. "The health and well being of our community and co-workers is important to our family and business. Part of our mission is to minimize our impact on the environment. From a business perspective, we must make sound investments and our switch to solar is paying off. It's the right choice for our family, community and our business."
The new system, installed by SolarCraft of Novato, enables Woodlands Market to generate enough electricity each day to power 51 average homes. The new system will spare the air over 90 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to taking 683 vehicles off our roads. The system will pay for itself in six to seven years and will accrue more than 1.5 million dollars in cost savings over the course of its 40-year life.
"The Santa family now owns the largest solar powered grocery store in California," says Chris Bunas, Director of Photovoltaic Division for SolarCraft. "The solar panels are manufactured to the highest standards and very aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the shade from the panels, combined with the insulated foam roof lower the heating and cooling costs for the building."
"We selected SolarCraft for this project because they were clearly one of the top companies available to us in the industry. They have proven to have been an excellent choice," Santa says.
About Woodlands Market
Don Santa founded Woodlands Market in 1986. Over the years the Kentfield based grocery store grew in its success with help from members of the Santa family, including Don's father, mother, three sisters, and wife. The business model is based on the belief that investing in the community brings greater returns in customer loyalty and word-of-mouth benefits that go beyond simple advertising. Today, Woodlands Market continues to operate as an independent, family owned grocery store; it has overcome the odds through bold thinking, community support programs and the loyalty of its local customers and employees. On the web at www.woodlandsmarket.com
