Novato-based SolarCraft announced today that it is has completed the design and installation of a 30 kilowatt solar electric system for a 6600 square foot office space located at 205 San Marin Drive.
San Marin Drive office facility is owned by San Marin Associates, a partnership that includes Leslie Anixter, Jack Bell, Denise Billings and Peter Oser. 205 San Marin Drive houses eight businesses, including insurance agencies, a dentist, a travel agency, a photographer, a manufacturer's rep, and a non-profit organization.
The solar electric system is expected to save the owners over $8,000 per year in electrical costs. The PV system powers the entire building, providing 100% of the electric needs on an annual basis.
"The system is good for us and good for our tenants," said San Marin Associates partner Peter Oser. "Our electric bill is thousands of dollars each year and is going to go up over time. Sunlight, on the other hand, is free, and is good for the environment. The system will eventually pay for itself and we are adding value to our building. It's good for our tenants because we won't have to pass energy increases along to them."
San Marin Associates received a rebate of approximately $100,000 from the California Energy Commission, representing about 50% of the cost of the system. In addition to the rebate, San Marin Associates will also receive federal tax credits.
Oser said the partners viewed installing the solar electric system as a good investment. "We are looking to own the building for a long, long time, and eventually will be paid back handsomely for having it," he added.
In preparation for the solar electric system, San Marin Associates installed a new foam flat roof. SolarCraft designed the system with Sharp high performance solar panels, which were mounted on stanchions and placed on the roof at a slight angle to improve energy generation. A mansard around the top of the building adds a visual barrier so that the panels can't be seen from the street.
Oser said San Marin Associates selected SolarCraft to design and install the system because of the company's years of experience installing solar energy systems. Oser has a multi-generational experience with SolarCraft; the company previously installed solar pool heating systems for his family as well as that of his parents.
