Open Hand Manufacturing dedicates 68kW solar electrical system

System will save the company $17,000 annually

Open Hand Manufacturing, a high-speed wood processing shop recently dedicated a 68kW, 360-module solar electrical system at its manufacturing facility in Oakland, Calif. This is the first solar array located in Oakland’s industrial zone.

The system will produce enough energy in the daytime to power more than 70 homes, generate more than 80% of the factory’s electrical needs, and insulate the building, which will reduce the cost of heating and air conditioning. The system is expected to save the company nearly $17,000 annually in avoided electricity costs.

The project is on track to receive a rebate from Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s self-generation incentive program, which gives incentives for clean, on-site generation.