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CHICAGO – Fairfax 5 Theatres, which has existed since 1952 in the California city of the same name, will be the first movie theater to go solar. This sun-charged theater in Fairfax, Calif. is in the works of getting up and running from SPG Solar along with Cinema West, which is California’s leading motion picture chain. SPG Solar is providing the 27-kilowatt AC solar photovoltaic system. With natural energy replacing electricity, the new system will save the theater about $627,000 in costs over the 30-year life of the system, according to SPG Solar. Local organizations like the Chicago Solar Partnership exist under the organization of the Illinois Solar Energy Administration to push the industry forward in the Windy City. Cinema West founder Dave Corkill has owned and run the theater chain for more than 13 years and sees this change as a big step. He added in a statement: “I wanted a sustainable and renewable energy solution for Fairfax theater.” He describes how this advancement can be a major influence on cutting electricity costs. He says it’ll also help with greenhouse emissions and with motivating the public about the benefits and influences of going green. He added: “We are proud that [the theater] also represents clean energy.” And who wouldn’t be? From its beginning in 1952, the Fairfax theater has faced each upgrade in technology as the times went on and more and more advancements were made. This upgrade now is not only keeping up with the present but is something that can be positive and healthy for the future. Powered up by SPG Solar, the new solar system in Fairfax will offset about 1,000 tons of greenhouse gas in its 30-year life, according to SPG Solar. The company says it will also save about 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide, which is enough to take 180 cars off the road. “I am very excited to see Cinema West taking on an environmental leadership role in town,” said Fairfax native and SPG Solar sales manager Ted Walsh in a statement. “It’s an exciting addition to the community.” The sun system, which is set up on the building’s rooftop, holds about 42 solar modules that aim toward the south for optimal production. The total cost of the installation was paid in part by a state rebate and federal tax credit. SPG Solar says it will be able to pay for itself in approximately five years. SPG Solar is just one of the leading companies that are producing solar-based systems today. SPG Solar will be showcased at the Solar Power International Conference & Expo in San Diego from Oct. 13 to 16, 2008 to display and discuss more of the latest news taking place in the solar industry. MidwestBusiness No one has commented on this article.
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