Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato, CA today announced the signing of a new Sunpower dealership agreement with Sunpower Corporation, manufacturers of high performance solar modules, mounting systems and balance of systems components. The new Sunpower Commercial Dealer arrangement allows Sunterra access to Sunpower’s products and services that include the patented worlds highest performing and most powerful solar panels along with their world class mounting systems, design services, warranties, commercial system financing and much, much more.

“With the more and more institutions and government agencies specifying the Sunpower brand and performance, along with Sunterra’s push for more government type projects and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) status, it makes a winning combination.” says Chris Bunas, President of Sunterra Solar Inc. He adds “We look forward to the addition of this great product that perfectly completes our well rounded line-up.”

To learn more about using Sunpower branded products on your facility contact Sunterra Solar today at (415) 883-6800. General Contractors RFP’s Welcome!

About Sunterra Solar Inc.

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of California’s premier solar power contractors with a primary focus on delivering turn-key commercial grid-tied solar power plants. Sunterra Solar Inc was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas after over a decade of experience developing grid-tied commercial solar power plants with other integrators. Mr. Bunas holds a NABCEP certification and has personally designed, sold and managed construction of many megawatts of well known California solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many other great solar installations throughout the state.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.

Sunterra is a registered Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) as well as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SD-VOSB). Sunterra is one of only a few registered DVBE solar contractors in CA.

Sunterra’s employee hiring practice utilizes “Veterans First” in our goal to help support, retrain and hire our returning military veterans.

For more information, email Sunterra Solar, at info@sunterrasolar.com or call (415) 883-6800.

Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato CA announces that they will be relocating their corporate headquarters on May 1, 2012. Their move to larger facilities still located in Novato, CA is due to their recent growth and will provide the right space and resources for their upcoming needs. “The timing of our space requirements and the current availabilities in the commercial office space market was perfect,” adds Chris Bunas, President of Sunterra Solar Inc.

About Sunterra Solar Inc.

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of California’s premier solar power contractors with a primary focus on delivering turn-key commercial grid-tied solar power plants. Sunterra Solar Inc was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas after over a decade of experience developing grid-tied commercial solar power plants with other integrators. Mr. Bunas holds a NABCEP certification and has personally designed, sold and managed construction of many megawatts of well known California solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many other great solar installations throughout the state.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.

Sunterra is a registered Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) as well as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SD-VOSB). Sunterra is one of only a few registered DVBE solar contractors in CA.

Sunterra’s employee hiring practice utilizes “Veterans First” in our goal to help support, retrain and hire our returning military veterans.

For more information, email Sunterra Solar, at info@sunterrasolar.com or call (415) 883-6800.

These same traits are part of the very culture that rules Sunterra’s entire organization, which is why we are proud to make a tradition of hiring and re-training our military veterans to expertly manage and construct our photovoltaic solar power projects.

With our goal of utilizing 50% veteran labor force the, name “ground-pounder” takes on a whole new meaning. Expect your project to be done on time and on target. We support “Hire-a-Vet”.

Learn More…

The typical commercial solar power system pays for itself in 4-5 years. Thousands of solar owners use their solar power systems to take control of their operating costs, and, in effect, purchase over 40 years worth of electricity up-front and at a cost of much less than today’s basic utility rate.

Imagine buying 40 years worth of gasoline for your car for pennies on the dollar.

Call us today to discuss your project

We have a built a solid reputation as an experienced photovoltaic solar power system design / build contractor in California with over a decade of experience building solar power systems and solar canopy structures across CA.

Our team of expert planners, project managers and installers execute every project with professionalism and precision in mind.

Call us today to discuss your project.

Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato, CA today announced their new program benefiting US Military Veterans who are interested in learning more about developing and installing commercial solar power (photovoltaic) systems. The program offers veterans the opportunity to work on actual solar jobs, along with allowing a critical “first step” into the industry by providing on-the-job solar installation training. Sunterra is currently working with various CA veterans groups along with local EDD offices for assistance to reach their goals of using at least 50% veteran labor workforce.

Along with the technical OJT, Sunterra will offer veterans coaching to further their solar career development that could include connecting them will possible hiring managers and staffing agencies as well as directing them to approved training and certification courses that they may pursue on their own. For individual veterans interested in finding out more about the program please contact your local Employment Development Department’s Veteran Employment Representative.

About Sunterra Solar Inc.

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of California’s premier solar power contractors with a primary focus on delivering turn-key commercial grid-tied solar power plants. Sunterra Solar Inc was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas after over a decade of experience developing grid-tied commercial solar power plants with other integrators. Mr. Bunas holds a NABCEP certification and has personally designed, sold and managed construction of many megawatts of well known California solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many other great solar installations throughout the state.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.

Sunterra is a registered Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) as well as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SD-VOSB). Sunterra is one of only a few registered DVBE solar contractors in CA.

Sunterra’s employee hiring practice utilizes “Veterans First” in our goal to help support, retrain and hire our returning military veterans.

Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato, CA today announced the completion of an 87KW roof mounted solar power (photovoltaic) system for the City of Folsom, CA at their Folsom Sports Complex Facility. The system was comprised of (378) SilikenCA 230 watt solar panels mounted on a ballasted flat roof mounting system and an inverter provided by Sunterra’s commercial inverter partner PVPowered. All of the components were manufactured in the USA to meet the ARRA Buy American compliance.

The entire system, originally designed by the city’s engineering consultant to be mounted at a flat angle with hundreds of holes in the roofing membrane, was value “re-engineered” by Sunterra’s expert designers and project managers to utilize a tilted and ballast weighted, non-penetrating PV panel mounting system. The bulk of the install was completed in approximately 3 weeks.

“We absolutely enjoyed working with the City of Folsom’s representatives and staff members on the project. They run their operations with high levels of professionalism and excellence.” reports Chris Bunas, President of Sunterra Solar. He adds “They were very particular in their record keeping and reporting because of Federal Grant Funding, as should be expected, and I am extremely pleased in our ability to meet their expectations.”

To learn more about Sunterra branded solar power systems on your facility contact Sunterra Solar today at (415) 883-6800. General Contractors RFP’s Welcome!

About Sunterra Solar Inc.

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of California’s premier solar power contractors with a primary focus on delivering turn-key commercial grid-tied solar power plants. Sunterra Solar Inc was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas after over a decade of experience developing grid-tied commercial solar power plants with other integrators. Mr. Bunas holds a NABCEP certification and has personally designed, sold and managed construction of many megawatts of well known California solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many other great solar installations throughout the state.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.

Sunterra is a registered Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) as well as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SD-VOSB). Sunterra is one of only a few registered DVBE solar contractors in CA.

Sunterra’s employee hiring practice utilizes “Veterans First” in our goal to help support, retrain and hire our returning military veterans.

For more information, email Sunterra Solar, at info@sunterrasolar.com or call (415) 883-6800.

Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato, CA today announced that they completed installation of a 116KW ground mounted solar power (photovoltaic) system installation for the Gold Hills Golf Course in Redding, CA. The system was comprised of (504) Yingli 230 watt solar panels mounted on a IronRidge heavy duty ground mounting system, and a 100KW inverter provided by PowerOne.

The system will provide power to the clubhouse and surrounding facility. Also installed was an advanced panel smart DC control system called Tigo Energy Maximisers. The Tigo system acts as mini DC controllers on every panel enabling the system to run as efficiently as possible while squeezing every possible kilowatt hour of energy out of the sun. The Tigo system also enables the courses managers and owners to monitor the system down to the individual solar panel to ensure the system is operating at its peak performance.

“We feel fortunate to have been subcontracted to perform this install. It was a pleasure to work alongside the courses staff and management.” adds Chris Bunas, President of Sunterra Solar Inc.

To learn more about Sunterra branded solar power systems on your facility contact Sunterra Solar today at (415) 883-6800. General Contractors RFP’s Welcome!

About Sunterra Solar Inc.

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of California’s premier solar power contractors with a primary focus on delivering turn-key commercial grid-tied solar power plants. Sunterra Solar Inc was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas after over a decade of experience developing grid-tied commercial solar power plants with other integrators. Mr. Bunas holds a NABCEP certification and has personally designed, sold and managed construction of many megawatts of well known California solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many other great solar installations throughout the state.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.

Sunterra is a registered Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) as well as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SD-VOSB). Sunterra is one of only a few registered DVBE solar contractors in CA.

Sunterra’s employee hiring practice utilizes “Veterans First” in our goal to help support, retrain and hire our returning military veterans.

For more information, email Sunterra Solar, at info@sunterrasolar.com or call (415) 883-6800.

Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato, CA today announced that they have been awarded the DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) Certification by the California Department of General Services. The certification is awarded to California business enterprises that are at least 51% owned by service connected disabled veterans. Sunterra owner, Chris Bunas is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp during Operation Desert Storm in the early 90′s. “I am thrilled to have served our great country in time of need, and I sincerely appreciate the honor of the DVBE award.” reports Mr Bunas. Bunas adds “we look forward to building more solar power projects for both the federal government and the State of California.”

The DVBE, along with the SBA Small Business and the Federal Government SDVOSB (Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business) certifications will provide another opportunity for growth for the 2 year old company that is owned and run by a solar industry veteran.

About Sunterra Solar

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of North America’s premier commercial solar power contractors. Sunterra designs and constructs turn-key grid-connected solar photovoltaic power systems and structures for commercial, agricultural and government customers. We have a decade of experience in the solar industry building large scale systems. Sunterra designs and builds the system that matches your organization’s needs both technically and financially, and guaranteed to exceed your expectations in long term performance.

In addition to turn-key solar power systems we also design and install automated monitoring and control systems and building energy efficiency measures. Our creative design team has experience engineering difficult builds and has proven ability to design outside of the box.

Sunterra Solar Inc. was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas, who also holds a Solar PV Installers Certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEP.

After approximately a decade of experience developing grid-tied solar power projects at another organization, Mr. Bunas felt it was the appropriate time to launch his own solar company to focus on commercial solar power projects with a more direct and efficient business model.

Mr. Bunas was the key factor in the creation, development and operation of the Solar Electric Division as Vice-President at another very well known northern California solar integrator, where he excelled for 7 years building that company’s brand and services. Aside from virtually building the solar electric division from scratch at this company, Mr. Bunas personally designed, developed and managed or oversaw construction of many well known solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many others. During his employment, Mr. Bunas designed, developed and managed many great solar installations throughout California.

Over his entire industry tenure, Mr. Bunas has been very involved with local building departments, utility companies and industry associations and assisted in developing regulations for rebates and interconnection of solar power systems. In one case, along with assistance from an environmental consultant, Mr. Bunas helped change a 40 year old law and regulation for some central Ca counties so that large scale solar projects could get built without have to wait for years of red tape.

Prior to landing in the solar power industry in 2000 Mr Bunas, a California native, worked in technology at the VP and Director Level for various fortune 500 companies where he successfully delivered many large scale technical IT solutions.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.

[Show as slideshow]

Sunterra Solar Completes Innovative Solar Carport
May 2010, Novato, CA

Sunterra Solar Inc. of Novato, CA has completed the design and construction of their latest solar innovation – a 30 KW modular T-cantilevered Solar CarShade Structure. The project includes a free standing T-Cantilever Parking CarShade with an integrated 30KW solar power system designed to power the office complex’s common area and outdoor lighting of the Palm & Herndon office complex in Fresno, Ca. The project was completed in Feb 2011.

One of the greatest benefits of the system design is the improved aesthetics over a typical parking lot solar structure. The design of the structure “roof” remains level, but still incorporates a 15 degree tilt in the solar panels, which greatly increases the energy output of the system. This, of course, significantly increases the project Return On Investment (ROI). Because the entire structure’s roof remains level, the overall height of the structure is approximately half of what typical solar parking structures are, and the minimum clearance underneath can still accommodate even the largest of vehicles.

Speaking of vehicles, remember the fact that a solar carport is in a parking lot or located on top of a parking garage. The possibility of 2 ton+ vehicles speeding through the parking lot created a challenge to ensure that no vehicles could impact and damage the structure. To accomplish this, Sunterra designed the structure with a T-cantilever design that if viewed from the end looks like a giant “T”. The columns run in a single row down the middle of the structure and not at the outside corners or side where vehicles drive. This design, combined with the use of normal concrete parking blocks, virtually eliminates the possibility for cars connecting with the structure. Additionally, there is a very low parts count due to the integration of the panel fixed tilt mechanism which reduces the overall cost of the system, again improving ROI.

The structure’s simplistic and aesthetic design and has been highly admired by everyone from the owner, general contractor, installers and building department officials as an improvement over other solar structures they have seen..

The structure itself was completed from footings to roof in approximately 3 days and the PV system installed in about two weeks with a limited crew. The system’s design is amazingly modular. It can be installed with as little as 30kW up to multi-megawatt sizes without any additional engineering.

The 29KW system will eliminate approximately 30% of the estimated usage from the complex’s common area meter based upon similar new construction projects. The system is estimated to produce approximately 50,000 kWh of clean, green, renewable electricity from a single solar power array that holds approximately 2700 sq. ft. of solar panels on top of a custom engineered free-standing 4500 sq. ft. T-cantilever parking shade. The electricity produced from the system eliminates the production of similar amounts of fossil fuel electricity that would normally be produced with a bi-product of greenhouse gases such as 64,000 lbs. of CO2 and 21 lbs. of deadly NOx. This is also similar to removing 7 full sized automobiles from the road and planting 9 acres of trees.

There system consists of 192 ET Solar 180 watt mono-crystalline solar panels mounted on a 15 degree tilt to the south on top of the parking shade, along with 4 additional “filler” panels. When the sun is shining the panels produce DC electricity, similar to a car battery but much larger, which is fed through an underground electrical system into the SMA SunnyTower 36KW inverter located in the protected area below the CarShade where it converts the DC electricity into AC electricity at the same voltage as the buildings electrical system. From there the electricity is fed into the building’s main electrical switchboard where it is used instantaneously by the building or sold back to the utility company for a credit.

The system includes a state of the art Online Monitoring System so that the systems operation can be observed by Sunterra 24/7.

The system will save the owner approximately $14,000 annually and with the generous rebates, grants and tax incentives will pay for itself in less than 5 years when considering the typical average energy cost increase of 6.7% per year.

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About Sunterra Solar

Sunterra Solar Inc. is one of North America’s premier commercial solar power contractors. Sunterra designs and constructs turn-key grid-connected solar power systems and structures for commercial, agricultural and government customers. We have a decade of experience in the solar industry building large scale systems. Sunterra designs and builds the system that matches your organization’s needs both technically and financially, and guaranteed to exceed your expectations in long term performance.

In addition to turn-key solar power systems we also design and install automated monitoring and control systems and building energy efficiency measures. Our creative design team has experience engineering difficult builds and has proven ability to design outside of the box.

Sunterra Solar Inc. was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas, who also holds a Solar PV Installers Certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEP.

After approximately a decade of experience developing grid-tied solar power projects at another organization, Mr. Bunas felt it was the appropriate time to launch his own solar company to focus on commercial solar power projects with a more direct and efficient business model.

Mr. Bunas was the key factor in the creation, development and operation of the Solar Electric Division as Vice-President at another very well known northern California solar integrator, where he excelled for 7 years building that company’s brand and services. Aside from virtually building the solar electric division from scratch at this company, Mr. Bunas personally designed, developed and managed or oversaw construction of many well known solar plants such as Paramount Farms 1.1MW solar plant, Cline Cellars Winery 412KW solar power plant, Merryvale Vineyards – Starmont 277KW solar power plant, and many others. During his employment, Mr. Bunas designed, developed and managed many great solar installations throughout California.

Over his entire industry tenure, Mr. Bunas has been very involved with local building departments, utility companies and industry associations and assisted in developing regulations for rebates and interconnection of solar power systems. In one case, along with assistance from an environmental consultant, Mr. Bunas helped change a 40 year old law and regulation for some central Ca counties so that large scale solar projects could get built without have to wait for years of red tape.

Prior to landing in the solar power industry in 2000 Mr Bunas, a California native, worked in technology at the VP and Director Level for various fortune 500 companies where he successfully delivered many large scale technical IT solutions.

Mr. Bunas is a proud military veteran of the US Marines during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Bunas brings all of the leadership experience and core values, like loyalty, honesty and integrity, along with attention to detail and “Outside the Box” can-do attitude taken from the military into Sunterra’s business practices used today.