First of a Kind Community for Adults with Autism Powered by the Sun
Novato and Sonoma based SolarCraft announced the completion of a 51 kW
solar electric and solar pool heating system at Sweetwater Spectrum community in Sonoma, CA, a residential development geared specifically for adults with autism. The photovoltaic and solar pool heating systems will provide energy savings for its community for many decades.
The solar electric system is roof-mounted on four residential buildings and the community center. It consists of high-efficiency solar panels spanning a total of 3,600 square feet. In addition, a solar heating system was installed to greatly reduce the cost of heating the pool.
SolarCraft offers unique financing options specifically for non-profits, which eliminates the high upfront costs. The finance payments are typically less than paying PG&E, so the projects are saving money immediately.
Designed to LEED Gold standards, in addition to solar power the homes and community structures at Sweetwater Spectrum were constructed using durable, low-VOC building materials and finishes, solar water heating and radiant cooling/heating systems. In fact, the community is a pilot project for the PG&E Net Zero Energy Pilot Program.
The system's solar electric panels are expected to generate approximately 73,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually. The new solar energy system allows Sweetwater Spectrum to generate enough electricity each day to power over 12 average homes. It will spare the air nearly 20 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to eliminating more than a million miles of driving.
