Los angeles-based Open Neighborhoods today announced the selection of Martifer Solar USA for GoSolar 2010, a community-based solar initiative allowing Santa Monica and Los Angeles neighborhoods to join together for an easy and affordable way to go solar.
After a rigorous evaluation process Open Neighborhoods selected West Los Angeles-based Martifer Solar USA as the most qualified solar installer for the four-month GoSolar 2010 program. Martifer Solar will offer discounted volume pricing and flexible financing options for residential and commercial solar installations.
“Martifer Solar has demonstrated an exceptional track record of local installations and a strong commitment to making solar power easy and affordable in the Los Angeles area,†said Open Neighborhoods co-founder James Brennan.
Th
e four-month GoSolar 2010 program will offer solar workshops and information sessions, and participants will receive free solar assessments. The program is open to residential and commercial customers of both SoCal Edison and LADWP and includes options to lease or purchase solar power.
GoSolar 2010 runs through December 3rd, 2010. Santa Monica residents and businesses can request a free solar assessment prior to the program end date at http://gosolar.opensantamonica.net.
A key goal of the program is helping neighborhoods switch to clean electricity through community-wide solar panel installations by local residents and businesses. Solar power can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the GoSolar 2010 project is expected to offset over seventeen million pounds of carbon.
“I would like to
thank Open Neighborhoods for choosing a local company to install their solar panels,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, “Not only does this program engage the community to conserve energy, it also supports the growth of our local, green economy.”
The GoSolar 2010 program makes large-scale volume purchasing available to residents and businesses with price discounts ranging from twenty to thirty percent. Participants in the program can purchase all-inclusive fully installed solar panels made by SolarWorld USA for as low as $4.22/watt DC (STC). Federal tax credits and utility rebates bring the cost down further. Zero-down lease options are also available through Martifer Solar’s financing partners. The result is immediate electric bill savings of 35% or more for qualified customers.
“A family shouldn’t have to go broke while trying to ease their dependence on non-renewable resources. It’s all about taking that first step and these green programs are making it easier for communities to make that transition toward more earth-friendly power sources.†said Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl about the program.
The GoSolar 2010 program includes installation of ground or roof-mounted panels, solar carports and shade structures at the same discounted price. Where applicable, Martifer Solar USA will also include its proprietary single axis tracking system that follows the sun’s movement and gets up to 25% higher productivity. Larger installations by SoCal Edison business customers may also qualify for revenue-generating power-purchase agreements (PPA).
Martifer Solar is currently installing solar panels on the new Santa Monica Place shopping mall. Recent projects have included Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, the Pasadena Unified School District and numerous residential homes throughout the Los Angeles area. “Martifer Solar is thrilled to be a part of the Open Neighborhoods initiative. Martifer Solar is committed to making solar energy accessible and affordable to the Greater Los Angeles community and the residents of the Westside,” said Raffi Agopian, CEO Martifer Solar.
About Martifer Solar USA
Martifer Solar USA provides the whole spectrum of photovoltaic solutions adapted to each client’s individual needs, whether the client is a family, a business or an entire city. The company maintains offices in the US, Africa, and throughout Europe, and has completed solar power projects in 19 countries on 5 continents.
Martifer Solar USA began in Southern California in 2001 under the banner of A & M Energy Solutions. In March of 2008 the company joined Martifer Solar, a leading European Solar Provider. This combination of local Californian knowledge and international resources is quickly establishing Martifer Solar as a premier player in the US solar industry.
Martifer Solar is both a systems integrator and manufacturer of PV Solar panels and related products. The company owns and operates one of the most advanced solar factories in the world and produces a number of innovative solar products such as photovoltaic skylights and carports.
Every Martifer Solar project is backed by the resources of the Martifer Group, an international, multi-discipline construction and energy company.
About Open Neighborhoods
Open Neighborhoods was founded in 2008 with a mission to connect and inform local neighborhoods with local social networking, open Internet access and clean energy programs.
