Posted on Thu, Oct. 22, 2009

Does a solar installation pay off? The experience is different for every homeowner or business, but for Modesto Commerce Bank, the answer will be "yes."

A year ago, we took note of the architectural accolades earned by the bank's new branch at Dale Road and Pelandale Avenue. A Bay Area architectural critic praised its "steep glass walls and a dark metal roof that unfolds like an origami mountain range." At the time, we also noted that the bank had been fitted with solar panels. We checked back recently and learned the bank is indeed on track to meet its goal of generating enough solar power to offset its electricity bill for the year.

John Dentoni, vice president of Bank of Stockton, which owns Modesto Commerce, said the angled roofs and wide overhangs were designed to provide sufficient surface area for an efficient solar installation. In spite of a minor blip when a breaker shut off, Dentoni said, the solar panels created more electricity than the bank used in June and July. By the end of the year, the solar system will effectively offset the electricity bill for 2009.

The bank collects credits from the Modesto Irrigation District during summer months, when solar generates the most power, and those are applied to bills during the periods when there is less sun. Within about five years, the bank expects the system will have paid for itself.