Solar Project Starts at Redwood Credit Union’s Administrative Offices With Over 2,000 Panels, 60% Power Savings Expected

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) has begun installation of a 2,036-panel rooftop solar array at its administrative offices at 3033 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa. The system is expected to provide 60 percent of the facility’s annual power requirements when completed in early 2015.

Designed and installed by Novato-based SolarCraft, the system will be able to produce up to 662 kilowatts of power while in operation. It is RCU’s latest environmentally responsible upgrade to the location, which has served as the Credit Union’s headquarters since 2007.

“I’m thrilled to announce that this long-term vision is becoming a reality,” said Brett Martinez, President and CEO of RCU. “Not only does this solar array advance our commitment to the environment, but the savings on power costs make it a smart investment on behalf of our Members.”

To accommodate ongoing growth in membership, staff and services, RCU purchased the 104,000-square-foot Cleveland Avenue building in 2005. The Credit Union then embarked on a significant and environmentally-minded remodel of the site, employing measures that helped obtain the U.S. Green Building Council’s prestigious “LEED Silver” designation in 2008 – the first commercial building in Santa Rosa to do so.

More than 200 people now work at the location, which houses the majority of RCU’s administrative and support departments, as well as a branch office. The building also includes a large community room, which frequently serves as meeting and event space for local nonprofits and community organizations throughout the North Bay.

“This building has lived up to its promise of providing us a venue to better serve the best interests of our Members, employees and communities. We’ve continually made incremental improvements throughout the organization to reduce the environmental impact of our work, and now we feel it’s time to take the next big step,” Mr. Martinez said.

Significant savings in electricity costs are expected to allow RCU to recover the cost of the system within 10 years.

About Redwood Credit Union

Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service financial institution providing personal and business banking services to anyone living or working in the North Bay or San Francisco. As a financial cooperative focused on people not profit, RCU offers complete financial services including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, online and mobile banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, investment and financial planning services and more. The Credit Union also offers a variety of insurance products and discount auto sales through its wholly-owned subsidiary. RCU currently has $2.4 billion in assets and serves over 237,000 Members with full-service branch locations from San Francisco to Ukiah, and more than 30,000 free network ATMs nationwide. RCU has a five-star Bauer Financial rating, and is rated Excellent by Weiss Ratings. For more information, please call 1 (800) 479-7928 or visit www.redwoodcu.org.