The solar energy project at the Alamo, Calif. club will provide at least two-thirds of the club’s electrical power. A lease option allows the bank to take the tax benefits, while the club will own the system in 10 years and save around $650,000 over financing alternatives. “This solar project is just part of what we do here, including eliminating plastics, moving to drinking fountains and refillable water bottles, and our robust recycling and composting programs,” said Greg Gonsalves, Round Hill’s General Manager/COO.
Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, Calif. has received formal approval to “turn on” a new $1.95 million solar energy project that is expected to provide at least two-thirds of the club’s electrical power, and provide both short-term and long-term savings that will pay for its costs several times over.
Working in partnership with Spreck Energy and Belvedere Solar Finance, Round Hill launched improvements throughout their grounds to upgrade their electrical infrastructure as part of the solar-based effort.
The project includes new structures over two bocce courts that use solar panels to provide electricity for the club’s tennis facility; solar panels covering the main parking array that provide electricity to the main clubhouse and also power new car-charging stations; a solar array that helps power the golf maintenance facility; and an array that provides both solar-based electrical (photovoltaic) energy for the swimming pool pump house, and solar-based thermal energy for the pool facility as well.
“We’re continually looking for ways to do our part for the environment, to not just be energy-efficient, but also to be ‘green’ and reducing the carbon footprint of the club,” said Greg Gonsalves, Round Hill Country Club General Manager/COO. “This solar project is just part of what we do here, including eliminating plastics, moving to drinking fountains and refillable water bottles, and our robust recycling and composting programs.”
Gonsalves noted that he had for years researched how the club could benefit from solar technology, but the plans moved to becoming reality after discussions with Spreck Energy CEO James Ryan—who is also a club member.
“Not many club members have the opportunity to work where they play,” Ryan notes. “This was an opportunity to do what we do at Spreck Energy, which is save clubs money via renewable energy, and leverage Greg’s insight into where we could select areas for maximum member use and benefit.”
Spreck designed and installed all of the new solar facilities, while Belvedere provided funding through an innovative lease program.
“The financing challenge for Round Hill was how to get the most value from the tax benefits,” said Belvedere representative Marge Leask. “Like many businesses with large investments in land, depreciation reduces net income by a substantial amount and it would have taken them several years to absorb the solar energy credit and depreciation. With Belvedere’s true lease, the bank will take the tax benefits, the club will own the system in 10 years and they will save around $650,000 over financing alternatives.”
Gonsalves noted that the club has a longstanding commitment to being a responsible steward of the environment through a dedication to reducing Round Hill Country Club’s carbon footprint, reducing the use of plastics, and managing robust recycling and composting programs. The solar program is just the latest among the club’s improvements and updates, having undergone a recent and extensive renovation to the 48,000 sq.-ft. clubhouse.
“Solar also levels the cost of energy to offset the cost of inflation, exponentially saving money for the club,” Gonsalves stated. “For us, this is a wonderful way to go green as we save money.”
C+RB reported on February 9 that members of Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, Calif. voted overwhelmingly in December 2020 to construct a massive photovoltaic solar-system project (https://clubandresortbusiness.com/blackhawk-cc-plans-massive-solar-project/) that will be spread out over multiple campuses across Blackhawk’s 4,800-acre property.
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