North Bay Self Storage & Southpoint Lofts Go Solar
Novato-based SolarCraft announced today it has completed the design and installation of a 35kW solar electric system for North Bay Self Storage and Southpoint Lofts in Petaluma, CA.
The recently completed PV system provides 85% of North Bay Self Storage's electrical needs on an annual basis for the company's 78,000 square foot building. A sound investment, the system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.
The solar electric system will enable the facility to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 10 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 60 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the air filtering of 7.6 acres of trees. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be comparable to driving over 4.1 million miles.
"We are going solar because we think it's the right action to take given the environmental crisis that our planet is in the midst of," says partner Gary Arnstein. Managing partners Gary Arnstein and Robert Curtis, plus their investors have a commitment to using sustainable energy sources. "Additionally, we think that going solar makes good financial sense in the face of anticipated ongoing rate increases from PG&E."
They are one of the first storage facilities to use solar energy and feel it is a positive step that other facilities should take. By utilizing existing roof space to generate electricity on site, North Bay is helping to reduce peak electricity demands for others, while exhibiting sustainable business practices.
"SolarCraft had an edge because of their many years of experience in the solar business," said Arnstein. "Another reason for choosing SolarCraft was their impressive list of references."
About North Bay Self Storage and Southpoint Lofts
North Bay Self Storage and Southpoint Lofts is a multi-use property with both storage and offices. The facility opened in November 1999, with 513 storage units all equiped with fire sprinklers and alarms. Additionally, they have 12 office tenants. The facility is state of the art and adding solar is a socially conscious statement. The tenants are pleased that common areas will be powered with solar energy.
