RICHMOND GLOBE
May 16 - 25, 2007

Richmond Cooperative Advances
Solar Energy Goal

By Globe staff

MSH Properties has completed installation of a 97.2 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to provide electricity for the Richmond Cooperative, a mixed live/work property on First Street in Richmond. It is one of the largest solar projects in this city, and the first solar-powered live/work project. 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.

The 67,000 square-foot space houses 14 tenants. Borrego Solar Inc. designed and installed the solar electrical system. 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,” he said.

Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, an active supporter of solar and renewable energy, hailed the project. “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,” she said. [emphasis added]

The Richmond Cooperative is located in what used to be the McCoy Sanitary Supply building. The solar installation is also noteworthy because the electricity for all units is generated by the photovoltaic system. In most multi-tenant buildings, each unit’s power is billed separately, making a single solar electrical system impractical.

MSH Properties is able to take advantage of the SGIP (Self- Generation Incentive Program) rebate, and will generate power for the entire building, with 11,914 kWh estimated output per month. Building tenants include a cab company, an iron company, a candle maker, and ice cream truck storage, among others.

The completion of the project was cause for celebration. As part of its commitment to “clean and green” Richmond, the City Council will present an ordinance at its May meeting to expedite and reduce the cost of the solar building permit process. 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.

For more information, visit www.borregosolar.com or call (510) 843-1113.