First Mexican Restaurant with Solar Power

Mi Cocina, a Mexican restaurant located for over 10 years at Belleview and Windermere recently installed a solar structure above an existing patio to create an awning that not only shades the diners, but generates the electricity used to prepare their food.
Solar Patio
Saul Sierra, owner of the restaurant has dedicated the popular spot to the renewable energy cause. After ten years at the same location he decided to make an investment in future generations. The 3.99kW solar awning structure is expected to cover up to 20% of the electric utility consumption. This will be an annual carbon offset of 7,958 pounds of CO2. The cost of the installation was offset by a rebate from Xcel Energy and a federal tax credit for businesses who utilize renewable energy options.
The installation was performed by Boulder, CO based Lighthouse Solar. It was their first use of the unique bifacial panels for a commercial application. They have also designed and built smaller versions to act as carports or residential awnings. This structure was custom designed for the location and to support the weight of the 28 solar panels. The electric meter and emergency shutoff were moved to the east side of the building so people can see how the solar PV system ties into the power grid.

Other steps they have taken include replacing the interior lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's), switching to recyclable or biodegradable to-go containers and using an energy saving feature on the appliances while they are closed. Mi Cocina uses Eagle Waste and Recycling for 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 (vs. 2+ gallons of water for conventional dishwashers.) There are also no phosphates in the soap used in the dishwasher which is environmentally friendly. Ultimately Saul sees a place to educate the community and encourage the use of renewable resources. They have planned events and school field trips to show interested residents that clean renewable energy works. Saul put it very simply "This is the right thing to do."