Large RP solar array activated

ROHNERT PARK -- Sonoma Mountain Village’s additional 1.158-megawatt solar system was dedicated Friday.

Sonoma Mountain Village, developed by Rohnert Park-based Codding Enterprises, is a 200-acre mixed-use, solar-powered, zero-waste community under development. The solar arrays, provided by Stellar Energy, are comprised of 4,928 solar panel modules, generating electricity that when combined with the existing on-site solar, will allow Sonoma Mountain Village to offset 100 percent of its electric needs from on-site renewable power.

This newest solar power system adds to an existing 1.14 megawatt array allowing the entire business campus to provide enough power for 2,000 homes. Sonoma Mountain Village has more than 181,000 square feet, or almost four acres, of rooftop solar panels.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, ceremonially flipped the switch on the system. In a solar industry "first," this system was financed by $1.6 million from private capital made available by San Rafael-based Clean Fund to the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program. The funds were provided to Sonoma Mountain Village through SCEIP and their property assessed clean energy (PACE) program.

Rep. Thompson has sponsored legislation that removes obstacles for PACE programs that arose in July 2010 when federal residential mortgage regulators objected to the structure of PACE financing.

“PACE is one of the most creative and successful solutions to our nation’s energy crisis -- and it is a common sense way to create good, green jobs,” said Rep. Thompson. “Because of PACE, and the hard work of community leaders and businesses, Sonoma Mountain Village will be a 100 percent solar powered, zero-waste community.”

Rep. Thompson’s PACE legislation allows communities to establish PACE programs so property owners can finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for their homes and commercial buildings, all without any government subsidies or taxes.

“PACE is a win for everyone,” Rep. Thompson continued. “Homeowners’ and businesses’ utility costs are lowered, people are put to work, and our nation gets the benefit of reduced energy use, increased energy independence and a cleaner environment.”

“With this solar power installation, Sonoma Mountain Village is showing once again that it is a dynamic force for job-creation in our community and a responsible corporate citizen,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma. “Working with Sonoma County and taking advantage of its innovative PACE program, SMV is proving that green jobs are our future -- that we can have both economic growth and environmental sustainability. I am proud to represent SMV in Congress and excited about continuing our partnership.”

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