Sayulita's CM Boutique Adds Solar Panels

CM Boutique, located at the corner of Revolucion and Pelicanos in Sayulita, offers unique handmade items, such as paintings, ceramics, mosaics, silver jewelry, clothing, and more. Just last week, an exciting change was made at this boutique when 16 photovoltaic solar panels were installed by Alpha & Omega Commerce. Jane Bloem, owner of CM Boutique, and Ing. Fernando Becerra, a branch manager at Alpha & Omega Commerce, share with El Sayulero about this exciting development with solar panels.

What are solar panels being used for?  (Fernando)

Solar panels are used to generate electricity using light radiated by the sun. The solar radiation is transformed by the solar panels and is environmentally friendly and uncontaminated. Solar panels are utilized for residential purposes, business use, and are also used in places that do not have any connection to CFE, like farms, ranches, and agricultural communities.

What is a Photovoltaic Solar System? (Fernando)

It is equipment that uses solar energy to transform it into electric energy. It consists of four elements: solar panel, power inverter, supports and wiring, and a bidirectional meter.

Why did you decide to have these solar panels installed? (Jane)

To me, it was a win-win scenario and I couldn’t see any reason not to do it. It’s the ecologically responsible thing to do. I run the air conditioning year round in CM Boutique so that customers can relax and be more comfortable while they shop. The amount of electricity the store uses is high, and it made sense to go with the solar panels, particularly since we get so much sun in Sayulita.

How do you like your new solar power system? (Jane)

I’ve really been enjoying it. It’s fun to check how much energy the solar panels are producing from the sun each day. Based on prior electric bills, I know the store uses approximately 12 to 14 kilowatts per day, and so far, the solar panels are producing what is needed. Today, 9.4 kilowatts have already been produced, and it’s only 2:00 p.m. If the sun produces extra kilowatts, the meter actually reverses.

Why should other businesses follow suit and install solar panels? (Jane)

I think that solar panels are often looked at as being very expensive, but people need to look at it in the long term. It will only take me five years to pay off this investment and that is great. There’s no reason not to do it with the amount of sun here. Even on hazy days, the solar panels still produce energy.

What is the benefit of having solar panels installed? (Fernando)

By installing a photovoltaic system, you can cover 100% of your electricity consumption, and you only pay the basic contractual fee. You also are creating your own clean energy, solely by using the power of the sun.

What was it like working with Alpha & Omega? (Jane)

They showed up when they said they would, they cleaned up any mess they made, and they were very clear about what they doing and followed through. Now that the solar panels have been installed, they do regular maintenance checks and make sure the inverter is producing as much energy as it should. Also, both of the partners speak fluent English, as well as Spanish. Overall, I am very pleased with Alpha & Omega Commerce.