RWE SCHOTT Solar Inc. (RSS, Rocklin, CA), a manufacturer and distributor of solar-electric modules and systems, announced that its flat-roof photovoltaic (PV) system on the historical West End Hotel in Culver City, CA, is up and producing power. Built in 1923, the "E" shaped hotel was designated a historical building in the early 1980s. The installation had to meet city regulations for buildings with a historical designation, while also meeting the fire department's strict safety code for buildings of this type.
Although not an overly large system by industry standards at 20 kW (ac), the system consists of 80 RWE SCHOTT Solar ASE-300/DGF-50 modules, and produces enough electricity to power four to six average homes a year. The system, which cost $164,324, received a rebate of $80,944 from the California Energy Commission's Emerging Renewables Program. The installation is expected to pay for itself in about five years.
