Credit Union members request solar power

Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union Members request solar to be installed on their main office

March 15 (San Francisco) – Unlike most financial institutions that are owned by stockholders, who own a part of the institution and intend on making money from their investment, credit unions are owned by their members who own one “share” of the organization. The user of credit union services is also an owner, and is even entitled to vote on important issues, such as the election of member representatives to serve on the board of directors.

Recently, at the request of the members and owners of the Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union in Berkeley, (CCFCU) chose to go solar with a 29.7 kW DC photovoltaic solar system being installed by their Berkeley neighbor and industry pioneer, Sun Light & Power.

The solar installation is comprised of 108 Suntech 275 modules that are expected to produce at least 42,028 kWh each year. That equates to the emissions from 6 cars or the electricity to power 4 homes.

A Web-based monitoring Data Acquisition System will help keep track of daily-weekly-yearly and lifetime system production.

In the words of the Co-op to their members: “Once completed, the system will represent your genuine commitment to responsible energy consumption and sustainability. It will also result in lowered operating costs for the Credit Union! “

About the Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union
The Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union was chartered on April 20, 1942 to serve the employees and members of the Consumers Cooperative of Berkeley, Inc. (Co-op Market Chain). The Co-op Credit Union continues to serve members from their original group, even though the Co-op Market Chain is no longer in business. These members see the Credit Union as their primary financial institution. This inherently stable "core" membership has provided a solid foundation from which to build.

During the 1980s Cooperative Center became the survivor of a series of mergers with other credit unions in the area. Two of these were the Cal Berkley Credit Union and Alta Bates Credit Union. These, two along with our original Co-op Markets, continue to make up our largest field of membership.

Today, the CCFCU continues to expand their membership base by accepting qualified private companies, organizations and associations. To this day they continue to bring in other groups. This careful expansion has helped build a uniquely diversified membership around the stable core of original members.

The Credit Union has over $80 million in assets and over 10,000 members, offering a full range of services from their main office at 2001 Ashby Ave. office and their branch on the UC Berkeley Campus.

About Sun Light & PowerSun Light & Power is a design/build solar firm based in Berkeley, CA with 34 years of leadership in alternative energy systems and innovative designs for homes and businesses. The company is committed to creating living environments that serve people's intrinsic needs, supporting the human spirit and preserving the planet’s resources for future generations.

Founded in 1976 by Gary Gerber (who is also the 2008-2011 President of the California Solar Energy Industries Association - CALSEIA), Sun Light & Power is the first renewable energy contractor to be certified by the Alameda County Green Business Program, and among the first in the nation to qualify as a B Corporation.

The company’s professional staff includes specialists in engineering, system installation, project management, electrical system design, financing and contract administration, including: 5 Professional Engineers, 7 LEED AP Green Building professionals, 3 Electrical Contractors (C-10) and 7 NABCEP Certified Professionals. Sun Light & Power is licensed as both a General Contractor (B) and Solar Contractor (C-46).

More information is available at: www.sunlightandpower.com

Blog post approved by www.iGreenBuild.com.