SAN FRANCISCO, CA. (www.santana.com) -
Carlos and Deborah
Santana have announced that they've outfitted their Bay Area business headquarters with a solar-powered energy system meeting all the electrical needs of the 5,200 square-foot building. The San Rafael-based facility houses
Santana Management and
Carlos and Deborah's non-profit Milagro Foundation, established in 1998 to serve at-risk, under-represented and disadvantaged youth through educational initiatives and health-related programs. The undertaking represents their deep commitment to renewable energy and sustainable living practices.
They commented, "We believe that the future of our planet is dependent upon a worldwide acceptance of renewable energy solutions. In personally doing everything we can to promote 'green' living, hopefully we'll inspire others to also become pro-active about environmental responsibility, and help create a better, healthier and more peaceful world for everyone."
The low-maintenance 28.8 kW solar photovoltaic energy system powering Santana's operations was designed and installed by Sun Light & Power, the Berkeley-based entity at the vanguard of turnkey installations of alternative energy solutions for residential, commercial, and municipal markets. The U.S. Climate Technology Cooperation Gateway estimates its use as having the approximate impact of removing 603 tons of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere... or offsetting the energy equivalent of 62,304 gallons of gasoline or 1,272 barrels of oil ... or removing the pollution produced by 118 passengers cars from the road for one year, among other remarkable statistics.
Sun Light & Power's 28 years of operational experience in solar installation is unmatched in Northern California, and they were the first solar outfit admitted to the Bay Area Green Business Program, recognizing environmentally friendly companies. Sales Manager Eric Nyman commented, "As with Santana Management, an individual or business can insulate themselves from unstable energy markets, diminish their contribution to global warming, and limit dependence on fossil fuel resources from politically volatile regions of the world - not to mention the financial benefits are significant."
Sun Light & Power's design for Santana's offices will produce, on average, the same amount of electricity consumed historically by the facility. Now, by generating their own, they will help mitigate peak demand loads on the utility grid-to which they're tied - and, for the system's 30-year lifespan, save an estimated $6,760 annually in energy costs. The project also qualified for the California Energy Commission Renewable Rebate Program, which effectively paid for 41% of the capital cost of the system, which has been up and running since this past summer.
Sun Light & Power's Marketing Manager James Critchfield added, "We were pleased to have been able to support Santana Management in their efforts to make a difference. The adoption of solar energy is a fantastic way to demonstrate a commitment to the environment and the community."
Last month, Carlos Santana was honored as the 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Currently, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and 10X GRAMMY-winner is working on his third album for Arista Records, and the 38th of his career. The disc follows up 2002's acclaimed No 1 album Shaman, and the 1999 phenomenon Supernatural, which won a record-breaking nine GRAMMYs, including Album of the Year. Deborah Santana, who oversees all of Santana's business operations and is Vice President of the Milagro Foundation, will have her first book, Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart, published in Spring 2005.
Santana Management has also joined forces this year with the non-profit organization Head Count (https://www.headcount.org), which encourages fans of live music "to get active, use their voice, and more importantly their vote to make a difference in the upcoming election." Carlos and Deborah hope that all their fans will vote on November 2.
For more information, visit https://www.santana.com.
For more information on solar energy systems, log on to https://www.sunlightandpower.com.
