SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Hokto Kinoko has installed a solar rooftop system that officials expect will significantly cut costs for the mushroom grower and producer.
The installation took place at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in San Marcos, Calif. — used for production and research.
Prior to Revel Energy installing a comprehensive commercial solar power system, the company says the building used over 2,710,000 kwh per year.
As a result, Hokto was spending a significant portion of operating costs in electrical usage and demand charges. Adding to expenses, the facility needed a new commercial roof.
“They were consuming a lot of electricity,” said Martin Brix, Revel Energy’s vice president of solutions. “Solar power alone was not going to drastically lower their power bill.”
Brix determined there was a need to add an energy storage system to knock off peak demand charges.
A total of 2,960 360W monocrystalline solar panels and a 285 kW – 405 kWh energy storage system were installed. Hokto will supplement their energy consumption from San Diego Gas & Electric with 60 percent renewable energy.
Considering rising energy costs, Hokto Kinoko will save an estimated $9.7 million over 25 years. Future expenses like these are common for California businesses. A commercial solar installation is essential to control California’s rising utility costs, the company said, which are averaging 6 percent growth per year.
“They were essentially able to save a major portion of their power bill with this solution,” Brix explained. “By taking advantage of the savings, 30 percent federal tax credit and accelerated depreciation, they offset the cost of their new roof. Solar was the vehicle to offset a major expense — in this case it was a new commercial roof.”
Revel Energy said it finds it common for customers, like Hokto Kinoko, to bundle a new commercial roof with their renewable energy projects. This adds to Revel Energy’s comprehensive energy solution. Combining multiple technologies is important for capturing maximum energy savings. In this case, Hokto now has a new, more energy efficient roof backed by a standard commercial roof warranty.
California businesses spending $1,500 or more in monthly electricity charges stand to benefit greatly from commercial solar and other renewable energy technologies. Incentives like the federal tax credit lowers the initial investment for building owners and operators. Many other incentives are available and businesses are encouraged to reach out to a commercial solar professional like Revel for a free consultation.
