The Photovoltaic Division of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., a diversified provider of electric and electronics products and technologies, supplied its PV modules for a solar electric system to power Toda America’s San Francisco headquarters. Toda America, a builder of commercial and industrial properties, is expected to reduce its electric bill by 53% with the installation of the 247.510kW PV system.
The PV system is estimated to supply more than 371,265 kWh annually. The clean energy produced over the system’s expected 25-year lifespan is equivalent to planting 254,316 trees and will prevent an estimated 12.7 million pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Solar installation firm, Your Energy Solutions of Pleasanton, California, installed the system, which will be partially funded by the federal business energy investment tax credit.
Toda America constructed the building, generally known as 600 Townsend West, in 1989 and occupies the first floor of the five-story structure, which features a 5,000 square foot sun-filled atrium lobby. The company is part of Toda Group, a 135-year-old global construction company.
“We focus on environmentally friendly technology in the construction of all of our buildings. Moving to renewable energy in our headquarters is an extension of our commitment to an environmentally sustainable society,” said Takamitsu Koga, president, Toda America, Inc. “We also believe that powering our headquarters building with solar energy will attract other like-minded tenants.”
(Photo on the right side: left to right, Takamitsu Koga, president of Toda America, Inc., and Kiyoshi Furukawa, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.)