Manufacturing Facility—101 kW Solar Roof

How does the largest manufacturer of hydroponics technologies on the west coast enhance its already green image, and save on its energy bills? In 2004, BASS Electric designed and installed a 101 kilowatt photovoltaic solar array on the roof of General Hydroponics’ manufacturing facility.

Visible to visitors, this solar installation underlines our client’s commitment to the environment and has a very real economic impact:

• Saving 50% on energy bills
• System expected to pay for itself in only 8 years
• Low upkeep costs: inspect and clean system once per year
• 25-30 year life expectancy on solar roof array
• 5-10 year life expectancy on inverter (with replacement costs calculated into overall financing)
  

The grid-tied system has a net-metering agreement with the local power utility providing credit for excess power generated.

For General Hydroponics, going solar has provided significant gains toward:

• Energy independence
• Improved cash flow
• Reduced carbon footprint

Historically, the cost of energy has risen 4.5% per year. This grid-tied solar solution effectively allows General Hydroponics to buy 15,000 kW hours of non-polluting electricity per year for the next 25 years at a set price, so the value of the system is increasing every year.