So. Calif. bank to install innovative Solar Electric System on carport.

• Position: MARKETING NEWS - Cathay Bank - Brief article

A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM will be constructed atop a custom-engineered carport for the corporate center of Cathay Bank of El Monte, Calif. The bank has assets of $11.4 billion.

The installation is an example of how banks are using energy efficient approaches not just for savings but also as a way of marketing their institution as a "green" bank.

The 432.5 kW AC system will have 2,128 solar panels that will generate an estimated 695,181 kWh annually. Upon completion, the structure is projected to result in a 40 percent decrease in energy costs, saving the bank more than $9,000 per month.

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The carport will provide covered parking for about 300 bank customers and...