New Novato Shopping Complex Sees the Light
With the recent completion of a 35.4 kilowatt solar energy system at the new Hamilton Marketplace Complex in Novato, CA, Novato-based SolarCraft has a very sunny outlook on their position as Novato's source for local solar energy experts.
The highly anticipated new Hamilton Marketplace, built on the former site of Nave Lanes, will create even more excitement by powering the shopping center with clean, green, renewable energy. All common areas, certain parking lot areas and walkways will be powered by 100% solar energy.
"By implementing renewable energy at Hamilton Marketplace we are significantly reducing our dependence on grid-supplied electricity and minimizing our impact on the environment. Further, we are decreasing our risk exposure to escalating energy costs," says Whitney Sylvester, a LEED Accredited Professional and Development Coordinator for Grosvenor Americas. "We are excited to be using sustainable best practices in our latest development and hope to make renewable energy a standard feature in future projects. Our decision to use SolarCraft stemmed from their commitment from day one to educating Grosvenor on the specifics of solar power and how best to successfully harness it to power Hamilton Marketplace. Given their expertise and experience, they made our first, and definitely not last, foray into 'going solar' incredibly easy."
The 94,000-square-foot center now supports 165 high efficiency SunPower solar modules. The new system is expected to generate 44,950 kilowatt hours annually and spans 2,210 square feet. There is potential for each tenant to purchase individual solar energy systems to power their space with renewable, clean power.
The solar elctric system will enable the Hamilton Marketplace Complex to generate enough clean electricity to spare the air nearly 31 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the air filtering of 6.2 acres of trees. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be comparable to driving over 2.1 million miles. A sound investment, the system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years and will continue to provide free, clean, renewable energy for decades to come.
