April 9, 2008

Auburn, CA, USA: Auburn Honda Goes Green

Pacific Power Management, LLC has completed the design and installation of a 198 kilowatt solar electric system for Auburn Honda. The solar electric system designed and installed by Pacific Power Management, will generate electricity to power the dealership headquarters in Auburn.

Honda Makes Full Use of its Auburn Roof

"In the automotive business, energy conservation is a key interest, from the manufacturer to the consumer," said Jay Cooper, president and owner of Auburn Honda. "Exploring solar power made sense economically and environmentally to our business and to the customers in our community. It's the right thing to do."

When the solar array generates more electricity than Auburn Honda needs, it exports the electricity back to the electrical grid, causing Auburn Honda's electric meter to run backwards. Auburn Honda uses approximately 565,680 kilowatt hours annually to operate their office buildings.

The new solar array will generate enough electricity to cover almost all of Auburn Honda's electrical needs and leave them with a minimal power bill. Today, Pacific Gas and Electric Company awarded a $577,845 solar rebate to for a 198-kilowatt solar-electric system at the car dealership's Auburn facility. The 1,397 SHARP photovoltaic panels will generate enough clean renewable energy per year to power the equivalent of approximately 50 homes.

"We applaud Jay Cooper and Auburn Honda for their vision and wisdom to better manage their energy costs while also helping the environment," said Darrell Johnson, PG&E's service and sales supervisor in the Auburn area. "Advancing solar is consistent with our customers' energy vision and our goals of encouraging the development of clean and renewable power."

The solar rebate for Auburn Honda was provided through the Self-Generation Incentive Program, which provides rebates to business customers to help offset the costs associated with solar, wind, fuel cell, micro turbine and internal combustion systems. PG&E is now serving as an administrator of the California Solar Initiative, and can provide up to $950 million in solar rebates over the next decade.

Jay Cooper said, "Pacific Power Management made it easy; they showed me the possible systems and forecasted the amount of power I could generate. Along with the information on costs and tax credits, it was easy to predict my monthly energy expenses. In fact I have decreased my monthly expenses by an average $3,000.00. This includes the cost of the system. I will have it paid off in 10 years and have virtually no energy costs."

Craig Perkins, Vice President/Commercial Loan Manager with First Northern Bank made this deal financially possible through First Northern Bank's solar equipment leasing program. "We were able to lock in the dealership's energy costs for the next ten years, with a repayment program significantly lower than their current electric bills".

As energy costs climb, the company's savings will increase with each passing year during the ten-year lease term.

Perkins added, "First Northern Bank is committed to doing our part in providing a unique financing program for this important alternative energy source. We congratulate Auburn Honda's investment in solar, and are proud of our partnership with this forward thinking company." In addition to being cost effective, the solar system also has the potential to prevent approximately 90 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. That's equivalent to taking 12 cars off the road per year. It also enables to helps to reduce peak electricity demands on California's power grid.

"At Pacific Power Management, we pride ourselves on providing first-class service and complete project management," said Mark Frederick, the managing partner for Pacific Power Management. "We analyze the energy needs, install equipment to improve the energy efficiency and design and install photovoltaic systems to generate electricity".

"Pacific Power Management is truly a one stop shop! They bid the job, provided all county permits, installed the system, coordinated with PG&E, and even introduced me to a lending source that was able to sell some of the tax credits provided by the State and Federal governments and buy down my loan. It really is a no brainer especially living where the sun shines so much," exclaims Jay Cooper.

Further details about: Pacific Power Management LLC