What happens when the sun is always shining over your boathouse? If you just thought 'permanent uni tan', you're half right, but why let all that sun be good only for your tan? One boat club decided to harness the power of the sun to power their club, and just last month, Marin Rowing Association (MRA) went solar. Row2k caught up with Sandy Armstrong, MRA Executive Director, to learn more about how Marin went solar, and how other boat clubs can follow in their footsteps (it sure beats the erg powered boathouse!).

row2k: Could you tell me about the origins of the project? What inspired this project, and how did Marin decide to go solar?

Sandy Armstrong: In 2004 we completed the final phase of our boathouse facility, which included an expanded second floor. With that, we had a beautiful big flat roof that sits in the sun all day. From that moment on I dreamed of going solar (we are in California, of course) but it just wasn’t the time and we really didn't have any money left after the construction.

I talked about the project for the next few years, but never really had a partner with the same enthusiasm until the father of one of our rowers introduced me to his brother. Kevin Joyce owns a solar company, Golden State Solar Electric, and they were interested in partnering up. I said yes, as long as they'd help us install a system.

I immediately called MRA member John Younger, who was the one person in the club that I knew would jump right on board, and boy did he. John ran with the idea and rallied the MRA members to contribute the funds, $27,000 to date (looking for $11,000 to cover the cost), managed the whole project and pretty much installed the whole thing himself with the help of our varsity boys installing the panels. The guys at Golden State, Brad McClintock, and members of the MRA also volunteered their time.

In addition, John owns two electric cars (both Tesla) and came up with an awesome community project: to offer the office park next door two car charging stations for which we would supply the power. For us, going solar is the right environmental thing to do for today and for the future; we hope to inspire other organizations to do the same.

row2k: How long did it take to compete and how did you fund the project?

Armstrong: Under two months - we picked up the permit on September 2 after pulling together the design and plans, and we went solar on October 6.

The project was supported by MRA donor contributions and the MRA will pick up the rest out of our reserves fund.

row2k: How has the electric bill changed?

Armstrong: We haven’t seen a full month yet, but our typical bill was $600 per month, this month was $250 and I can tell you that the meter has only been going backwards this entire time! It’s so cool to watch! We will get to a point where we are given credits and have no cost.

It’s such a big system that it generates more power than we are using. The utility meter records the power that is generated that we do not use. Our energy company, Pacific Gas & Electric ,notes the amount of energy we are generating over that which we use, and we earn credit for future needs, if we need them. With PG&E we can ‘sell’ those credits and they will write us a check for that the amount credited.

row2k: So 100% of your electricity is solar?!

Armstrong: Yes! We installed a 28-kilowatt system, which is more energy than we currently use. So right now, the additional energy generated by the sun continues to turn our meter backwards, and we are running solely off the sun for lights, water heaters, fans, car chargers: all electricity. If during the winter the electricity generated slows down to a point where we use more energy than it can produce, we go back onto the power company system and start using up our credits.

row2k: How long do you anticipate it will take before it pays itself off?

Armstrong: Since we have had so many people step up to donate their time and money, the club is only spending $11,000, so it will take just over a year to pay for itself, (paying off the entire $38,000 system, which includes donated funds, will take about 5 years). That said, it has never been about saving money, though that is a big bonus and we can certainly use that $7000/year elsewhere!

row2k: What was the reaction of the club membership and the community?

Armstrong: Overall the members were excited and supportive. The City of Larkspur owns the land (we lease from them), and they were very supportive as well. We’ve just released the info to the local community and so haven’t heard reaction yet, but as with everything, some will think it great, others will complain about something, and that’s okay.

row2k: Any advice for a rowing club that would be interested in following in your footsteps?

Armstrong: The process was easy, and people in general are excited to help support such a tangible addition to a facility. Of course, most boathouses don’t have the physical size and structure that we do at Marin, but that shouldn't really matter! It feels good to turn on or turn off the lights, and know that the sun is powering us. I’d say go for it, make it a community effort, and help lead other organizations to do the same.

Are there any other boathouses out there using alternative energy? Write in and let us know!