First Mexican Restaurant in the United States to use Solar PV to Generate Electricity

Nov. 18, 2008 - PRLog -- Lighthouse Solar, the premier supplier of renewable energy solutions out of Boulder, Colorado has recently installed a solar structure at Mi Cocina Mexican Restaurant, naming it the first Mexican restaurant in the United States to use solar renewable energy for a percentage of business operations.
The solar structure was installed above an existing patio to create an awning that not only provides shade for the guests, but also generates enough power for all food preparations.
Saul Sierra, Mi Cocina restaurant owner, is very excited to take action in the cause for renewable energy. The 3.99 kilowatt (kW) solar awning structure is expected to cover up to 20-percent of the electric utility consumption, creating an annual carbon offset of 7,958 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2). The cost of the installation was offset by a rebate from Xcel Energy and a federal tax credit for businesses that utilize renewable energy options.
The installation at Mi Cocina was Lighthouse Solar’s first use of the unique bifacial panels for a commercial installation. In the past, Lighthouse Solar has designed and built smaller versions to act as carports or residential awnings. The Mi Cocina structure was custom designed for the location and to support the weight of 28 solar panels. The electric meter and emergency shutoff were moved to the east side of the building allowing people to see how the solar PV system ties into the power grid.
Lighthouse Solar has taken further steps towards renewable energy at Mi Cocina by replacing the interior lighting with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, switching to recyclable or biodegradable to-go containers and incorporating an energy-saving feature on the appliances while not in use.
Additionally, Mi Cocina uses Eagle Waste and Recycling because of their 'single stream' recycling of cardboard, plastic and glass. They now recycle almost three times as much as they throw away by volume.
The dishwasher is an Energy Star Auto-Chlor system that only uses 1.09 gallons of water per cycle, while conventional dishwashers use over two gallons of water per cycle. The soap used in the dishwashing system does not contain phosphates to maintain environmental friendliness on all fronts.
Ultimately, Saul sees his restaurant as an example business to educate the community and encourage the use of renewable resources. Saul and his family of employees have planned events and school field trips to show interested residents that clean renewable energy works.
"This is the right thing to do," says Saul Sierra, owner of Mi Cocina.
About Mi Cocina Restaurant
Mi Cocina Mexican Restaurant has been operating in Littleton for over ten years and is known for its fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere. The restaurant operates out of two locations in Littleton and prides itself on working toward being an environmentally sustainable operation. Visit www.micocinarestaurant.com for menu options, coupons and reservations, or to learn more about clean energy solutions for businesses in Colorado.
About Lighthousesolar  
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Lighthousesolar is the premier supplier of renewable energy solutions providing innovative and sustainable products to industrial, commercial and residential consumers nationwide. Lighthousesolar’s mission is to facilitate the use of clean, free and unlimited solar energy by delivering cost effective solar equipment solutions of the highest value and reliability to the solar energy industry. Lighthousesolar is committed to environmental causes dedicated to facilitating the growth of solar power as one solution to the world’s energy problems. For more information visit www.Lighthousesolarsolar.com.

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