Oldie but Goodie: The Fairfax Theater is bringing some new technology to their historical venues and making new headlines in the process. A prominent Northern California landmark, the Fairfax announced last week that they are intent on providing green electricity to power their well known marquee. As one of the first major multiplex cinemas to go green (yes we’re referring to AMC, United Artist, and Regal), it just goes to show that newer isn’t always better, and perhaps you can teach an old dog new tricks (or at least mount quite a few solar panels to a 1952 building.
That’s good news for movie goers in Fairfax, California who are interested in getting a more “green” movie experience. The enthusiasm from local resident and 13-year-old Cinema West owner of the Fairfax Theater, Dave Corkill stating that the “Solar energy will not only help us offset our electricity costs, but will also reduce greenhouse emissions and propagate the environmental ideals of this progressive community. The Fairfax Theater’s marquis is one of the first things you see when entering Fairfax. Now we are proud that it will also represent clean energy.”
SPG Solar, Inc is the one that is developing and installing the 27 kilowatt system. The expected savings over the 30-year life of the systems amounts to more than $627,000, which doesn’t usually mean a lot to residence; but means a whole lot of extra green for a building that will hopefully continue to stand and function as it has for nearly 60 years. What does $627,000 in savings by you? Well according to Ted Walsh, a Sales Manager for SPG Solar, it includes 1,000 tons of greenhouse gases, including over 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide (the equivalent of taking 180 cars off of the road). The entire system will be made-up of 42 solar modules that are all oriented south for ultimate solar gain, but it is estimated that a rebate and federal tax credit will hopefully help pay for nearly half. In the end, the system is expected to pay for itself in little more than 5 years.
+ Fairfax Theater
+ SPG Solar, Inc.