The Danville, Calif. club will spread the project, which is expected to save millions in electricity expense over the next decade, across multiple campuses on its 4,800-acre property. In addition to its two clubhouses, Sports Complex and Tennis Villas, solar energy-generating systems will also be constructed for resort-style cabanas at the pool and shaded hitting areas at a golf practice facility.
Members of Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, Calif. voted overwhelmingly in December 2020 to construct a massive photovoltaic solar-system project that will be spread out over multiple campuses across Blackhawk’s 4,800-acre property. The solar system is projected to save the club millions of dollars in electricity expense over the nextdecade.
Through a mix of ground mounts, roof mounts, and covered carports, the club will construct solar energy-generating systems at facilities including its Lakeside clubhouse, Falls Clubhouse, Sports Complex, and Tennis Villas.
The project also includes solar-covered, resort-style cabanas at Blackhawk’s swimming pool and solar-covered shaded hitting areas at the Lakeside practice facility. With the construction of the practice facility’s solar hitting structure, the intention will be to simultaneously incorporate golf technology and teaching components, such as a Trackman Range, to create a “Topgolf”-type member experience.
Over the past several years, Blackhawk CC has prioritized efforts to environmental and sustainable initiatives. The club has converted all lighting to LED, upgraded mechanical and HVAC systems to Energy Star rated systems, upgraded irrigation systems on its two championship golf courses, and performed turf-reduction programs that are saving approximately $300,000 annually in water expense.
“The solar-system project is the next logical step in Blackhawk’s continued efforts towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure,” said David Reeves, the club’s Board President.
Spreck Energy, a preferred solar vendor for the California Golden State Chapter of the Club Management Association of America that has constructed numerous commercial solar projects throughout California, has been retained as the contractor to build the system.
Sustainable Capital Finance (SCF) structured the financing for the project through a multiple-year Power Purchase Agreement. “SCF is excited to announce its participation as the PPA provider and financier for the mixed roof, carport and ground mount systems, built by Spreck Energy, that will provide renewable energy and covered parking to the impressive facility and grounds of Blackhawk Country Club,” said DV Patel, SCF’s Director of Operations. “The array is set to become the largest solar installation powering a country club in the United States, a PPA milestone that SCF is proud to be a part of.”
Blackhawk CC, located just east of San Francisco, is one of the largest private clubs in the U.S. It has two premier championship golf courses that hosted LPGA Tour events from 2006-2010, two clubhouses, a robust food-and-beverage program with numerous outlets, the largest tennis complex in Northern California that includes a stadium court, a child care facility, competition swimming pool, and a new state-of-the-art Fitness & Wellness Center.
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