Cinema West announced the installation of a 27-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at its Fairfax 5 Theatres. The company is touting it as the first major motion multiplex cinema in America to go solar.
The rooftop solar system is comprised of 42 solar modules, and is expected to save over $627,000 in electricity costs over the 30-year lifespan of the system. In addition, about 1,000 tons of GHG, including more than 2 million pounds of CO2, are expected to be offset over the lifetime of the system.
Half of the total system cost was paid for by a state rebate and federal tax credit. The company expects to recover the cost of the system in 5 years.
The solar system was developed and installed by SPG Solar Inc.
The film industry is also greening up the business, with a theater in Madison, WI, and one in San Francisco to incorporate environmental policies, starting with construction.
Last year, Cinemark replaced incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps.
