Vivint Solar Now Available to Homeowners in Massachusetts

Over the Last 10 Years, Power Prices in Massachusetts Have Risen an Average of 12 Percent a Year

Vivint Solar(TM), a leading provider of simple, affordable solar solutions, today announced plans to expand services throughout the entire state of Massachusetts after seeing rapid adoption rates in the initial test market area of Boston.

Vivint Solar first began test marketing its simple and affordable solar solutions to residents in the Boston suburbs of Woburn, Lexington, Stoneham and Burlington at the end of February 2012. Since that testing phase began, the company has installed more than 100 solar systems in those areas, and demand for Vivint Solar's services continues to grow, leading the company to initiate immediate availability to residents throughout the state.

"The response we've seen so far in the Boston area has really exceeded our expectations, and we're looking forward to being able to offer Vivint Solar throughout the whole state of Massachusetts," said Tanguy Serra, president of Vivint Solar. "We've found that the residents of Massachusetts are largely green-minded, and we are happy to offer them such robust solar solutions that addresses the desires to both conserve energy and save money."

Over the last 10 years, power prices in Massachusetts have risen an average of 12 percent annually according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With Vivint Solar's power purchase agreement (PPA), customers agree to purchase the power their solar panels generate at rates significantly lower than their typical power bill. This not only saves money, but the clean energy produced by the panels reduces the carbon footprint generated by the home. In exchange for agreeing to the PPA, Vivint Solar designs, installs and maintains the system for free, allowing customers to enjoy the benefits of renewable solar energy with no up-front investment.

"We had been researching a few different solar companies when a Vivint Solar sales professional came to our home," said Craig Parker, Vivint Solar customer and Woburn resident. "He was very informative, helpful and professional and he very clearly explained how solar works. I like to think we're environmentally conscience since we recycle and drive an eco-friendly car, and Vivint Solar was a natural fit for us."

For additional information on Vivint Solar services and availability, visit http://www.vivintsolar.com .

About Vivint Solar

Vivint Solar, a subsidiary of Vivint, Inc., is a leading provider of simple, affordable solar solutions. Vivint Solar is an early adopter of the power purchase agreement (PPA) model, which allows it to deliver simple, affordable solar solutions to customers throughout North America. Backed by the award-winning customer support and proven infrastructure of its parent company, Vivint, Inc., Vivint Solar is dedicated to saving customers money and protecting the environment. For more information, visit www.vivintsolar.com .

SOURCE: Vivint Solar
Source:http://www.marketwatch.com/story/vivint-solar-now-available-to-homeowners-in-massachusetts-2012-05-09

Experts talk options for going solar

Farmers and ranchers already use solar panels to power electric fences, water wells and tank heaters. But two energy workshops held recently in Northeastern Colorado were designed to provide rural residents with information about how to make solar a bigger part of their energy portfolio.
While wind energy makes up a much larger portion of the state and federal renewable fuels standard so far, going solar is an increasingly popular option in sun-drenched states like Colorado.

“Why all the buzz? It’s creating a lot of jobs here in Colorado,” said Rebecca Cantwell, senior program director for the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association based at Boulder. She spoke at back-to-back meetings in Holyoke and Fort Morgan coordinated by the Colorado State University Extension Service. “The fuel is free. And an aspect that is increasingly important in Colorado is that it doesn’t use any water.”
The commercial market for solar energy grew 127 percent in 2011, she said. When it comes to the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, Colorado ranks fifth nationally while New Mexico is fourth.

In addition, Colorado has some of the best solar thermal potential in the country. One system in the San Luis Valley uses mirrors to heat water that creates steam to run a turbine, she said.
Innovation is lowering costs and making installation quicker and easier, she added.
“I think in five years you’ll be able to go to Home Depot and buy a solar system you can plug in at your house. Well, maybe not completely, but close to it.”

Consider cooperative approach
Bob Mailander, one-time eastern Colorado regional representative with the governor’s energy office and a former cooperative development expert with Rocky Mountain Farmers Union who now raises organic alfalfa near Holyoke, attended the meeting and said it’s hard to get qualified installation contractors to remote rural locations. He and several neighboring farmers had looked into bringing an installer to the area to put up several systems, but the effort eventually fell through.

“If it wasn’t so difficult, we might have done that,” he said.
Tim Edgar, a CSU community energy coordinator based in Sterling, agreed renewable energy was an opportunity for further job training and economic development in rural Colorado. He pointed out that the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment received a federal grant last year to train more green energy entrepreneurs.

Source:http://www.agjournalonline.com/news/x1120196854/Experts-talk-options-for-going-solar

Verengo Solar Partners With GRID Alternatives to Install Solar Panels for Qualifying Homes

Verengo Solar, the leading residential solar integrator in California, today announced that it is partnering with GRID Alternatives to install solar electric systems for low-income families through GRID's Sub-Contractor Partnership Program (SPP). Verengo and GRID Alternatives celebrated this new partnership on April 16, 2012 by installing a Verengo rooftop system on a low-income home in Lindsay, CA.

"Our first GRID Alternatives project was successfully installed and signed off on by the city inspector in the same day," said Tom Sweeney, Verengo's Northern California General Manager.

"We want to thank GRID Alternatives and everyone who contributed in moving this unique job forward," added Sweeney. "A special thanks to our Fresno installation team who performed flawlessly, resulting in another satisfied customer."

As a sub-contracting partner, Verengo will provide GRID Alternatives with complete residential solar systems including installation and permitting at below cost value, bringing the power of solar energy to low-income households in 2012. Each GRID sub-contracted project also requires Verengo to hire an eligible job trainee who will gain valuable hand-on experience and a paid job while working alongside Verengo's installation team.

"Partnering with GRID Alternatives dovetails perfectly with Verengo's corporate commitment to do good and to do well," said President and Verengo Co-Founder Ken Button. "By providing GRID Alternatives with the highest quality solar installation, Verengo is helping families in need reduce their electricity costs. At the same time, our employees get the opportunity to interact with and educate local communities about the value of solar."

"We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Verengo Solar," said GRID Alternatives Central Valley Program Director Tom Esqueda. "Verengo's support for GRID Alternatives' mission means thousands of dollars more in long-term savings for low-income families that need them most, and paid learning opportunities for green job seekers."

Source:http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/verengo-solar-partners-with-grid-alternatives-install-solar-panels-qualifying-homes-1653478.htm