Cooperative is Richmond’s First Solar Live/Work Project

Borrego Solar installed a 97.2 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to provide electricity for the Richmond Cooperative, a mixed live/work property owned by MSH Properties in Richmond, California. It is one of the largest solar projects in this city, and the first solar-powered live/work project. The 67,000 square foot space houses 14 tenants, including a cab company, an iron company, a candle maker, and ice cream truck storage, among others.

For Mark Howe, owner of MSH Properties, the idea of utilizing solar power for a commercial building has been generating for many years, beginning with his college days working for a renewable energy lobbyist. “I believe in sustainable energy and I’m comfortable with technology, so solar is a logical solution for these projects. Right now, we’re in the process of developing a 300 kW industrial installation in Richmond with Borrego Solar.”

The City of Richmond is actively promoting solar power through the non-profit Solar Richmond program, with a goal of 5 megawatts of solar energy to be installed by 2010. Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is an active supporter of solar and renewable energy: “Our legacy for the young people of Richmond is lower green house gas emissions, cleaner air, less pollution and a greater commitment to make Richmond vibrant and sustainable.”

The sawtooth roof design created an ideal location for the solar array, eliminating the need to build a racking system. The system utilizes an SMA Sunny Central 125 kW inverter and 540 Sharp 180 modules.

MSH Properties was able to take advantage of the SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program) rebate, saving over $224,000. This photovoltaic system will generate power for the entire building, with 11,914 kWh estimated output per month.

The environmental benefits are substantial: by utilizing solar to generate electricity for the Richmond Cooperative site, MSH Properties will offset carbon dioxide by over 167,000 pounds, equivalent to removing 28 passenger cars from the road or planting 64 acres of trees.