SPG Solar Moves from Novato to Petaluma

Novato-based SPG Solar, a commercial solar power provider, is moving to Petaluma, taking about 70 jobs with it.

The Bel Marin Keys company, which focuses on commercial, industrial and public sector solar installations, will open a new and larger facility at 1039 N. McDowell Blvd. in January. The 25,000-square foot facility will feature a research and design facility with two testing labs, a state-of-the-art warehouse and customer center.

“This is a strategic business move for us, so we looked extensively for just the right location,” Doug May, CEO of SPG Solar, said in a statement. “Petaluma gives us the best possible combination of the right space, a strong business community, and a growing renewable energy sector.”

Being surrounded by other green companies was as important as the bigger space in SPG Solar's move. The relocation is another blow to the industrial park at Bel Marin Keys, which has seen a mini-exodus in the past six months.

“There are a lot of renewable companies in Petaluma already, so we’re excited to be located next to them,” said Marissa Muller, a director of marketing for SPG Solar.

Formed in 2001, SPG Solar has been headquartered on Leveroni Court in Bel Marin Keys and consists of parent company SPG Holding and TTi design and manufacturing. Its 125 full-time employees work in Novato plus regional offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Oregon.

Earlier this year, SPG Solar introduced its next generation of floating solar panels, redesigned to be cost competitive with ground based, single-axis tracking solar systems. "Floatovoltaics" make it possible for commercial, industrial and government users with little available rooftop or land space to float solar on water, providing energy savings, water savings and environmental benefits.

Started in 2001, SPG Solar initially focused on residential solar installation, but transitioned to commercial installations in 2007. The company develops the All Weather SunSeeker Tracker, a single-axis tracker that produces up to 25 percent more solar energy in all weather conditions.

— Novato Patch's Tracey Ruiz contributed to this report.

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