01.06.2011– ARCATA, Calif., – Manufacturer of water sports apparel and gear in Arcata, California, Kokatat has has installled a 26-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. The project is expected to provide approximately 35,000kW hours of electricity per year, equal to 16 percent of the company’s total electric demand.
The rack system was designed, manufactured and installed by local companies and contractors. The solar installation is one of the largest in Humboldt County.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest solar photovoltaic system installed by a private business in the county,” said Kit Mann, project manager for Kokatat. “There are two schools and a health clinic with larger systems.”
Mann explained that the amount of electricity generated by the system will be enough to run the more than 40 sewing machines on Kokatat’s production floor. “We can honestly say that our sewing machines run on the sun,” said Mann.
Named the 2010 Arcata Green Business of the Year, Kokakat provides an established platform of green practices, social equity and economic vitality to the region. Kokatat’s decision to go solar was supported by federal tax incentives and California state rebates. They also received a highly desired and competitive $20,000 grant from the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program.
For more information about the project and its stages, please visit Kokatat’s blog at, http://blog.kokatat.com/. About Kokatat Watersports Wear Celebrating 40 years of innovation, Kokatat is an independently operated, US manufacturer of technical apparel and accessories for water sports. Handcrafted in Arcata, California, Kokatat employees are focused on building the finest functional product for people who work and play on water. Our gear is designed for paddlers, by paddlers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water all year long and in all weather conditions. Into the water with Kokatat! Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.
