SANTA ROSA, Calif.—Redwood Credit Union has begun installation of a 2,036-panel rooftop solar array at its administrative offices here that is projected to provide 60% of the facility’s annual power requirements when completed in early 2015.
Designed and installed by Novato-based SolarCraft, the system will be able to produce up to 662 kilowatts of power while in operation.
“I’m thrilled to announce that this long-term vision is becoming a reality,” said President/CEO Brett Martinez. “Not only does this solar array advance our commitment to the environment, but the savings on power costs make it a smart investment on behalf of our members.”
To accommodate ongoing growth in membership, staff and services, RCU purchased the 104,000-square-foot Cleveland Avenue building in 2005. RCU said it then embarked on a significant and environmentally-minded remodel of the site, employing measures that helped obtain the U.S. Green Building Council’s prestigious “LEED Silver” designation in 2008 – the first commercial building in Santa Rosa to do so.
More than 200 people now work at the location, which houses the majority of RCU’s administrative and support departments, as well as a branch office. Significant savings in electricity costs are expected to allow RCU to recover the cost of the system within 10 years.
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