Taco Bell in Albany, CA, Designed by VMI Architecture, Receives First Ever Commercial Rebate from PG&E for Solar Thermal

Online, November 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The newly constructed Taco Bell in Albany, California, will be awarded the first PG&E California state rebate for solar thermal use in a commercial project. The solar hot water system is the result of a new CSI-Thermal program for commercial applications.

The rebate check will be presented on 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, at the 635 San Pablo Avenue location in Albany. Local elected officials will attend the event, along with PG&E, VMI Architecture, Sun Light & Power and Taco Bell representatives.

When added to the 30-percent federal tax credit, the $3,649 CSI-T rebate will slash the total system cost by half, and depreciation values are more beneficial over time compared to traditional systems. These incentives will provide a rapid ROI, and the extended system life will provide at least 30 years of savings on natural gas bills.

Solar thermal suits Taco Bell's hot water needs for cleaning, dishwashing, sanitation and rest rooms. Limited roof space made the solar water heating system even more efficient than more common PV solar systems. Onsite generation of solar hot water currently offsets 300 therms of natural gas annually, translating to reductions in operating costs and greenhouse gases. Financial incentives make solar power a sensible economic choice while also communicating environmental commitment to customers and the community.

The Albany Taco Bell's solar hot water system consists of two Heliodyne Gobi 410 collectors, creating 80 square feet of solar surface area. The closed-loop system feeds a 119-gallon solar storage tank and protects against freezing, overheating and water scaling. The system is sized to offset a portion of the restaurant's hot water usage, estimated at 500 gallons daily.

VMI Architecture's expert design staff includes two LEED APs and two Certified Green Building Advisors. The VMI team proudly provides clients with environmentally conscious building plans to maximize efficiency and minimize long-term energy footprints and operating expenses. VMI recently completed a second Taco Bell with similar equipment in Rancho Cordova, California.