The San Diego Yacht Club took on an ambitious goal with its Zero-Net Emissions Master Plan, and installing an on-site solar system to consume self-generated renewable energy was a major component of the club’s strategy. With the ability to produce their own solar energy and the strategy to engage Green Tariff Electricity from the grid when necessary, the club and its Facilities Committee demonstrated its leadership as stewards of the air that powers many of the ships that sail from its dock. By combining renewable energy use with better energy management and improved efficiencies, the club’s board members had their path toward zeroing out its carbon footprint while at the same time dramatically reducing its energy costs.
HES Solar’s proposal was accepted and soon after 487 SunPower solar panels were erected on three separate rooftops; the seaward-facing array being constructed atop copper roofing. The 175 kW system contributes greatly to the San Diego Yacht Club’s Zero Net Energy (ZNE) goal of producing an equal or greater amount of energy annually than what it consumes annually.
In addition to drastically reducing emissions, the solar system significantly lowered the facility’s energy costs and insulated it from utility rate increases in the future. As the owner of the system the club also fully benefited from available incentives including the Federal Investment Tax Credit and the Accelerated Depreciation Tax Benefit. The club also places a high value on leading by example as well as influencing its members who have sway over other local interests; those decision-makers are sure to catch wind of what the San Diego Yacht Club has accomplished.
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HES Solar
The residential-only entity HES Solar has redefined its scope and has narrowed its focus to home solar service and home battery service. The impact of 2023 California regulations to home solar projects has required this company truncation; we regret the elimination of new home energy installations from our offerings. HES Solar now concentrates on supporting existing systems with maintenance and repair services for HES Solar and non-HES Solar systems and remains available for workmanship warranty work on qualified HES Solar systems.
For commercial solar and commercial energy storage design, installation, service, and O&M offerings, please visit the HES Renewables website hesrenewables.com.
A note on the state of California residential solar: The residential solar industry has faced significant financial hurdles in the last few years as a direct result of hostile policy, most notably NEM 3.0. Our primary trade partner, SunPower, went into Chapter 11 in August, 2024, and a majority of other solar companies, large and small, have been forced to close, leave California, or restructure. We are glad to remain available as a home energy service group to support our customers and provide maintenance and repair for home systems that have been orphaned by other company closures.
We recognize your frustration with this news and never intended for our beloved 24-year-old residential solar business to curtail its offerings.