Solar Electric Projects

REI

675kW Solar Electric Project

Blue Oak Energy was selected as the integrator for REI's ambitious multisite solar initiative. We recently completed the engineering, procurement, and construction for seven stores in California, which were selected based on our feasibility study for REI. The total capacity for the seven stores is approximately 675kW.

REI San Francisco

60kW Solar Electric System

The REI store located on Brannan Street between the SoMa and Mission districts of San Francisco is the focal point for the eleven total stores installed with PV systems in 2008. Visible from the 101 Freeway, this 60kW rooftop PV array adds a sparkle to this historic district’s skyline. The design takes advantage of the existing south facing pitched roof to collect energy from the sun and reduces the stores electricity demand by more than 20%. This solar array also exhibits a design optimization to meet fire codes, maintenance access and long term system performance.

REI Santa Rosa:

75kW Solar Electric System

The rooftop at the REI in Santa Rosa posed a unique design challenge. Many tall obstacles were arranged in close quarters, resulting in potential shading issues for the 75kW system. To compensate for this, we elevated the PV array, placing the modules in full view of the sun’s powerful rays.

REI San Diego:

100kW Solar Electric System

San Diego has hot, dry weather, ideal for solar electric systems. The REI store in San Diego is benefitting from the sunny climate, as we recently installed a nearly 100kw system on its rooftop. This practical and robust PV system offsets approximately 40% of the store’s electricity demand.

REI San Carlos:

100kW Solar Electric System

REI’s San Carlos location, in the southern Bay Area, now benefits from a new 100kW photovoltaic system designed and installed by Blue Oak Energy. This site presented several design challenges, including the requirements of the local Fire Marhsall. An elegant solution was devised that allows for accessibility by fire and maintenance personnel to the rooftop.

REI Arcadia:

82kW Solar Electric System

The Arcadia store has a unqiue location in the greater Los Angeles area, close to the mountains with great solar insolation. This 82kW solar array helps reduce the retail store’s energy needs by approximately 30%. Kudos to REI for also adding a new reflective roof with this solar electric system.

REI Sacramento:

130kW Solar Electric System

This store in Sacramento is REI’s largest solar-powered store to date. With 714 solar modules, this 130kW PV system provides the store with approximately 30% of its energy requirement. The installation of the solar electric system coincided with a substantial remodeling addition to the building. Responsive design and engineering was mandatory to maximize the system and fit it to the new building construction as it progressed. REI also replaced the old roofing material with a new reflective roof surface during the project, furthering the energy savings through simultaneous electricity reduction and production.

REI Folsom:

48kW Solar Electric System

The project at the Folsom location presented several design challenges. Limited roof space, tall parapet walls, and two opposing roof surfaces required the use of multiple design methods to maintain a consistent array tilt and a maximization of PV system size. The result is the 48kW solar electric system that reduces the store’s energy demand by approximately 30%.