Session Solar, a leading solar distributor, specialist in solar project development, and manufacturer of Creotecc Solar Mounting Systems, today announced that its installation partner, Elite Solar of Chico, CA, has completed a 501 kW solar project for the Thermalito Water and Sewer District (TWSD) in Oroville, CA. The two individual solar systems are installed at separate locations: a 481 kW ground mount at the treatment facility and a 20 kW roof top at the District office are expected to save $3.8 million in electricity costs over 25 years.
The TWSD plant was developed and designed jointly by Creotecc Solar Mounting Systems and Elite Solar. Elite Solar specializes in providing alternative sources of renewable energy for agriculture, commercial and residential markets. Designed to eliminate 100% of the electricity bill, the system will generate enough electricity to power approximately 100 single family homes.
The Creotecc ground mount system utilized at the site, which was recently featured at Intersolar North America, consists of an advanced insertion rail system which eliminates the need for clamps and provides quick and easy module insertion, accelerating installing time. “The man hours saved on this build were exceptional compared to other racking systems I have installed,” said Kirk Short, Owner of Elite Solar.
The ground mount also consists of other American made products including PV Powered inverters. The system performance will be monitored by Solar-Log and span across 2 acres of open space at the TWSD plant. (Photos) “The Thermalito Water and Sewer District investment in solar will yield positive cash flow from day one. Expected PG&E savings will far outweigh the payments from the tax-exempt municipal lease used by the district to finance the project,” says Cale Garamendi, Project Developer at Session Solar.
Session Solar secured project financing, prepared the feasibility study, and sourced the equipment, while Elite Solar managed the construction, interconnection and long-term maintenance contract for the system.
“I will be working with Session Solar and the Creotecc Mounting System on many jobs. It will be my ‘go-to’ mounting solution based on ease of installation, product support, and cost. Solar is a competitive industry and Creotecc is going to give me an edge,” commented Mr. Short.
The system is expected to completely eliminate the District’s electricity bill. A combination of PG&E savings, California Solar Initiative rebate revenues, and low-interest municipal financing will result in more than $3.8 million of positive cash flow over the 25 year life of the system.
The TWSD project was made possible by combining Elite Solar’s extensive installation experience with Session Solar’s access to high-quality solar equipment and affordable project financing. Session Solar offers a project partnership program as a service to contractors working to bring projects to the finish line. The TWSD solar project is just one example of the success of Session Solar’s project partnership model.
About Session Solar
Session Solar is a leading wholesale distributor of solar photovoltaic (PV) products, project partner, and manufacturer of Creotecc Solar Mounting Systems. Founded in 2007, Session Solar is supported by parent company Wurth Solar, a global pioneer in mounting system technology, European project developer, and wholesale distributor. For further information, please visit Session Solar’s website at http://www.sessionsolar.com or Creotecc website at http://www.creotecc.us
About Elite Solar
Installing over 1.2 megawatts in combined residential and commercial projects since its start in late 2009, Elite Solar has quickly become one of Northern California’s leading solar installers. Its owner, Kirk Short, the sales team and the installation crew bring a combined 20 plus years of professional experience to the industry. A privately held company, Elite Solar is dedicated to providing exceptional energy solutions to its customers. For a photo gallery of completed projects online, visit www.elitesolarca.com.
About Thermalito Water and Sewer District Thermalito Water and Sewer District formally known as Thermalito Irrigation District was established in 1922. The District delivered irrigation water to its customer located NW of Oroville, California. Since that time, the District has evolved into a domestic water and wastewater collection service provider. In 2008, the District changed its name to Thermalito Water and Sewer District to better identify its services to which it provides. TWSD is a public agency which employs 11 full-time employees and has a Board of Directors consisting of 5 elected officials voted in by their Division. Currently the District provides service to a population of just under 10,000.