North Bay Credit Union Makes the Switch to Solar Power
Novato and Sonoma based SolarCraft announced the completion of a
662 kW solar electric system at Redwood Credit Union (RCU) in Santa Rosa, CA. The new photovoltaic system will offset about 61 percent of RCU's utility grid demand and save the company thousands in utility fees every year.
The solar array consists of 2,036 Suniva 320-watt solar panels, installed on building rooftop and spanning over 42,460 square feet. Covering the majority of the rooftop, the solar panels further reduce the building's heating and cooling load by insulating and protecting the roof.
Designed and installed by SolarCraft, the $1.2 million system will produce up to 945,097 kWh of clean, solar power annually and will provide an effective long-term hedge against future utility rate increases. Installing solar, a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution, is the latest upgrade to the LEED-certified facility, which has served as the Credit Union's headquarters since 2007.
"The addition of solar to our administrative building is a demonstration of our commitment to sustainable
and earth-friendly practices. The additional benefit of long-term savings on power costs allows us to return
even greater value to our 240,000 Members," said Brett Martinez, Redwood Credit Union's President & CEO.
RCU's solar power system will generate enough electricity to power 148 average homes and will avoid production of almost 272 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of removing 15 million miles of driving over the next 25 years. That's also comparable to the air pollution removed by over 54 acres of trees.
About Redwood Credit Union
Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service financial institution providing personal and business banking services to anyone living or working in the North Bay or San Francisco. As a financial cooperative focused on people not profit, RCU offers complete financial services including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, online and mobile banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, investment and financial planning services and more. www.redwoodcu.org.
