Real Goods Solar Continues to Spread Clean Energy, Launches Third Annual Free Home Solar Sweepstakes

LOUISVILLE, Colo., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Real Goods Solar reaffirmed its commitment to make solar power affordable and accessible, by giving homeowners the opportunity to win their own 4kW home solar electric system valued up to $25,000 in the 2012 Free Home Solar Sweepstakes.

Qualifying homeowners can enter to win and see official rules at http://www.RealGoodsSolar.com/Sweepstakes or call 888.56.SOLAR.

2011 sweepstakes winners Scott and Tracy Goegebuer of Long Beach, CA were thrilled to be able to achieve their dream of going solar. "We have wanted to put solar on our home for some time.  We learned about Real Goods when we stopped at their retail store and Solar Living Center in Hopland, CA on our way back from a trip in 2007 and signed up to be on their email list at that time.  So when we got the email about the sweepstakes, we entered, never thinking we would actually win!  We are so happy and excited!"

Based on average electricity usage, homeowners are likely to spend $100,000 on electricity bills over a 25 year period. The sweepstakes will give one lucky homeowner the ability to save thousands of dollars on electricity over the lifetime of their system and avoid utility rate increases.

John Schaeffer, Residential President of Real Goods, commented, "What better way to lower utility bills than with solar? Our customers frequently see a return on investment of over 20% for a purchased solar system, or a low money down and lower monthly bills on a power plan purchase. We're happy to offer this sweepstakes to highlight the importance of converting to a solar economy!"

About Real Goods Solar

Real Goods Solar is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 12,000 solar electric systems for both residential and commercial properties. Real Goods Solar offers turnkey solar energy solutions, and has 33 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with its sale of the first solar photovoltaic panels in the United States in 1978. With 15 offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest solar installers in the United States. For more information visit www.RealGoodsSolar.com or call 1.888.56.SOLAR.