Profile:
Business: Mission Pie
System Size: 12kW
Est. savings: $60,749 (25 yrs)
Est. carbon offset: 332 tons of CO2 (25 yrs)
Equivalent: 1,078,858 miles not driven or 5.7 acres of trees planted (25 yrs)
In honor of small business week, we decided to visit Mission Pie and see how they’re doing. Mission Pie is a café and bakery located in San Francisco’s beautiful Mission district. They are a values-driven company that is committed to creating food made from the best quality ingredients, in a way that builds community, supports farmers, respects the environment, and invests in their workers.
Back in March 2012, we installed a 12 kW solar electrical system on their roof. Over the last year, the system has produced 13,250 kWh of electricity, which is enough power to make 271,360 lattes. This system has already offset 20,540 pounds of CO2.
“In terms of the projection and the reality, it’s right on in terms of expectation” says Karen Heisler. “I appreciate the Luminalt is not a company that over-sells and promises something that’s not going to happen. That is profoundly meaningful. I really, really appreciate that because every time I get the PG&E bill, it’s right where I expect it to be.” It has created “a significant decrease in our monthly operating costs every month. It feels a little bit like magic, even though it’s very straightforward. The savings is right there for the taking.”
Mission Pie manager Sharon Litzky, “It’s really great that a small business like Mission Pie is able to go solar. Many people think it’s something that’s only viable for large companies, but when places like us are able to offer it, our customers just love it. It gets them really excited about the business and builds good relationships since we’re all in it together, to build community and to save the world.”
Most importantly, they serve delicious food, but don’t take our word for it, check Yelp. Sabrina V says, “The banana cream pie must be eaten to be believed. It is luscious, not too sweet, creamy and the pudding is flecked with vanilla seeds. The crust is flaky with a lovely caramelized flavor.” So take the advice of Nina B, “Skip lunch. Eat Mission Pie instead.”