Baker Electric Solar, a full-service solar company, recently designed and installed a 164 kW solar system for the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito (BGCSD) Solana Beach location. Over the first year, the club will see approximately 30% savings on its annual electricity spend based on past consumption–saving an estimated $11,000. Over the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) warrantied period, cumulative electricity savings will be approximately $1.3M. Baker used a rooftop-carport configuration for the solar system. The BGCSD Clubhouse is located at 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, California.
“With electricity being one of our largest expenditures, the solar system will save us money–helping us keep the doors open–serving more than 6,000 registered members,” said CEO Marineke Vandervort. “We want to lead by example. Adding solar demonstrates our investment in eco-technology—reducing our environmental footprint while educating our members about the benefits of renewable energy.” Baker offered the Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito creative financing using a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The PPA required no capital expenditure by the BGCSD, and they receive immediate savings from the solar energy produced by the system. During the 25-year PPA period, the system’s operations and maintenance is completely covered by the PPA provider. A key benefit of a solar PPA is that it provides a fixed, predictable cost of electricity for the duration of the agreement. PPAs also allow non-profit organizations to take advantage of lucrative solar tax incentives.
Per the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, the new BGCSD solar system will save the equivalent of annual greenhouse gas emissions from 443,109 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. It will offset CO2 emissions from 20,804 gallons of gasoline consumed or 197,291 pounds of coal burned. “Going solar is helping non-profit organizations all over Southern California reduce their environmental impact and improve their bottom line at the same time,” said Baker’s Director of Commercial Solar, Scott Williams. “The BGCSD solar system’s $1.3M cumulative savings will go far towards assuring the clubs’ mission continues to thrive over the next 25 years.” Founded in 1966, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The community resource serves not only youth and teens, but adults and families. It provides positive activities, personal development and after-school programs to advance the education, health, self-esteem and character of youth.
