Pharmaca goes solar at store in Boulder

BOULDER – Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc. will celebrate the installation of  20 solar panels on the front of its store in downtown Boulder with a Turn On party next week.

Boulder-based Independent Power Systems Inc. installed the panels, which are expected to generate about $400 worth of power every year. The system’s cost wasn’t immediately available. The power savings is based on current Xcel Energy rates. Pharmaca estimates the system will generate about 5,400 kilowatt hours of energy per year. The store is at 1647 Pearl St.

“We were honored to work with a progressive, Boulder-based company like Pharmaca to help them meet their renewable energy goals,” Tony Boniface, president and founder of IPS, said in a statement. “We hope that this high-visibility system in downtown Boulder will generate curiosity and raise awareness about renewable energy.”

Monitors at the front entrance of the store give passersby data about energy collection and carbon offsets that come from the panels. The store also has other environmentally friendly building features, including bamboo flooring, recycled carpeting and environmentally friendly paint.

Pharmaca and IPS will host the party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. The event will offer organic snacks, shopping discounts, sign-ups for free home-energy assessments, a raffle and a chance to talk to IPS employees about in-home solar installations.

Pharmaca owns 23 pharmacies in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Stores offer traditional prescription-filling services along with natural health solutions.

Founded in 1996, IPS has installed solar panels at hundreds of area homes and businesses, including Coors Field in Denver.

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