On Earthday April 22 2011 The oldest family owned Automotive Dealership in San Diego county officially started up its new 200 kW DC Solar Electric System.
Drew Auto Center of La Mesa will now have another one of its environmentally conscientious plans completed. With its operation a large amount of the peak energy used throughout the community will now be offset by free solar power.
It means less reliance on foreign oil and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

“Using clean solar energy is one of the ways our business can contribute to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and educating our customers and neighbors about the benefits of solar. This also takes pressure off the grid during peak hours of the day,” said Bill Drew. “It also makes business sense because we will save on our dealership’s utility costs and recover nearly 70 percent of the investment through tax credits and depreciation.”

The six carports mounted 15’ above the ground act as shade for customers and a support for 864 photovoltaic panels produced right here in San Diego. Its design is as non-obtrusive as possible without compromising electrical production.The system was designed installed and maintained by another local based company Southwestern Solar Systems of El Cajon.

Through this endeavor the Drew family is truly “walking the walk for our community”. This installation used local talent for its completion throughout. Used local suppliers for materials and will help mitigate the need for any additional power plant or transmission line construction. The California Center of Sustainable Energy will be issuing the first installment of the State of California’s contribution with a giant commemorative check It was great to celebrate the occasion with Joe Drew son of Elmer Drew the founder of Drew Auto “throwing the switch”.