New Bedford Solar Now Program Gaining Steam; First City Resident Signs Contract with Real Goods Solar for Solar Installation

New Bedford, MA (PRWEB) November 15, 2012 In September, Frank Lima of New Bedford, MA became the first City resident to contract with Real Goods Solar for a solar electric installation through the New Bedford Solar Now Program. One of three innovative programs under the New Bedford Energy Now Program, New Bedford Solar Now is a partnership between community groups, local and trusted businesses and City offices, designed to amplify the benefits of efficient buildings, clean energy and community development and create local jobs in the process.

The City of New Bedford has taken on the challenge of raising awareness about energy efficiency and is working at the community level to help residents see the benefits of weatherization, renewable energy and changing personal resource use habits.

“The City of New Bedford has made a major commitment in recent years to changing how we think about energy—both from a consumption and sourcing standpoint,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “This is demonstrated in our installation of electric car charging stations, of hundreds of solar panels on municipal buildings, and our plan to install hundreds more. Still, we have a long way to go, and part of the vision is to greatly expand the number of residential solar installations in the city. This, along with energy efficiency retrofits, will be good for our residents’ financial health and for the health of the city and the planet. Add these efforts to our continued push to become the center of gravity for off-shore wind development, and we could once again become the City that Lights the World.”

At the core of the New Bedford Solar Now program is an outreach and education effort spearheaded by community partners, and developed in coordination with the City and Real Goods Solar. This same group also worked together to design an offer for a solar power installation that includes the ability for New Bedford residents to go solar for as little as $0 down and has the potential to save local homeowners thousands of dollars.

According to Mr. Lima, the opportunity to reduce his electric bills and have a positive impact on the environment was too good to pass up, “This program opens up an opportunity for me to make a difference to the environment and in my community. I have looked into renewable energy before but could never afford it. By fixing my electric rate for the next 20 years I won’t see my rates go up – who can say that today?”

“A solar lease offers homeowners the ability to fix their electric costs and protect themselves against future utility rate increases. There are no maintenance costs and the start-up costs can be as low as zero down,“ explained Jim Oliva, New England Sales Manager for Real Goods Solar.

About New Bedford Energy Now
NB Energy NOW! is an umbrella program that integrates the solar and efficiency work in New Bedford. "NB Energy NOW," is a City-wide initiative that brings together three specific programs-NB Efficiency Now (focused on energy efficiency and weatherization), NB Solar Now (focused on residential solar), and the NB Challenge Now (to help residents be aware of all the carbon-reduction opportunities, as also relates to diet, travel, etc.). NB Energy NOW coordinates marketing & organizing across organizations and initiatives, bringing together several partners including the City of New Bedford, non-profit partners, and business partners.

About Real Goods Solar
Real Goods Solar, formerly Alteris Renewables, is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 13,000 solar electric systems. We offer turnkey solutions, and have 34 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with the sale of the first retail solar photovoltaic panels in the U.S. in 1978. With offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the country. For more information, visit RealGoodsSolar.com, or call 888.56.SOLAR.

Real Goods Solar Launches ‘Tell Us Your Story’ Program Homeowners that Choose Renewable Energy Share Their Motivations for Going Solar

Louisville, CO (PRWEB) October 29, 2012 For more than three decades, Real Goods Solar has helped thousands of homeowners make the switch to clean, green solar power. Real Goods recently launched the solar customer program, ‘Tell Us Your Story,’ as an online community for the many homeowners and business owners who have had solar systems installed by the national company.

The Program encourages Real Goods Solar customers to share their photos, videos and feedback on the process of going solar and their results. Homeowners have the option of creating a micro-blog to document their solar experience. The program, which functions in tandem with the company’s SpreadSolar customer referral program, enables participants to share content through their social networks.

According to John Schaeffer, Residential President and Founder of Real Goods Solar, the catalyst for going solar varies from customer to customer. “Many Real Goods Solar customers find the economics of solar appealing, particularly with the cost of fossil fuels on the rise and expected to increase in the future. At the same time, many see the need to reduce their impact on the environment, and wish to set an example for family and neighbors. For others, going solar is born of a desire to be self-sufficient, with the security of generating your own electricity. No matter why someone ultimately decides to go solar, it’s the right thing to do: a beautifully common-sense way to move forward,” explains Schaeffer.

To kick-off the program, Real Goods is offering a $500 Amazon.com Gift Card* to new customers who join the program between October 18 and December 31, 2012. To sign up and get more information, visit stories.realgoods.com. Real Goods Solar expects stories to start being posted by early November.

About Real Goods Solar
Real Goods Solar is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 13,000 solar electric systems. We offer turnkey solutions, and have 34 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with the sale of the first retail solar photovoltaic panels in the U.S. in 1978. With offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the country. For more information, visit http://www.RealGoodsSolar.com, or call 1-888-56-SOLAR.

Hudson Energy Solar, Smart Energy Capital and RGS Energy Partner with Eastman Companies to Flip the Switch on Solar Power

Louisville, CO (PRWEB) September 17, 2012 Hudson Energy Solar, Smart Energy Capital and RGS Energy are pleased to announce the completed installation of a 500kW solar PV system at the Eastman Companies’ Eisenhower Corporate Campus in Livingston, NJ. To showcase Eastman Companies’ commitment to the environment, a 68kW of the total system was installed on a prominent hillside near the Eisenhower Corporate Campus making at least part of the installation highly visible.

Commissioned in July 2012, the project was funded by a power purchase agreement (PPA) through Smart Energy Capital. Design and installation was led by RGS Energy, the commercial and utility division of Real Goods Solar. Hudson Energy Solar, which specializes in providing commercial and residential customers with renewable energy solutions, will own and operate the system.

Eastman Companies, an Energy Star partner and US green building council member, and its partner in this office campus, Long Wharf Real Estate Partners LLC, took this strategic location and added a host of important amenities and sustainable practices that are vital to a productive business environment. Eisenhower Corporate Campus, an award-winning facility and home to Eisenhower Conference Center, is very excited to have the “switch flipped” for this solar PV system.

“The Eastman commitment to solar power will help to significantly lower CO2 emissions over the course of 25 years, which is equivalent to planting over 10,000 trees, and reducing the consumption of 47,813 gallons of gasoline each year,” said Abe Grohman, Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Energy Solar.

“As an Energy Star partner and a U.S. green building council member, this solar installation is the latest improvement undertaken by Eastman Companies as part of its ongoing commitment to going green,” said Peter E. Schofel, President of Eastman Companies. “Eighty percent of our improvements have been installed following LEED guidelines, and this complex is a LEED candidate.”

“By going solar with a commercial PPA, Eastman Companies is able to control its operating costs while investing in its future,” explained Jeffrey Schmidt, President of RGS Energy. “This type of financing is making it possible for more organizations to follow the lead of Eastman and reduce their carbon footprint.”

According to Rob Krugel, Managing Partner at Smart Energy Capital, a leading solar developer and financier, “this installation showcases the successful collaboration between RGS Energy, Smart Energy Capital and Hudson Energy Solar. By combining Hudson’s financing, RGS Energy’s engineering, design and construction, and our development expertise under a single umbrella, we were able to deliver a complete solution to the Eastman Companies for this project.”

About Hudson Energy Solar
Hudson Energy Solar harnesses the power of the sun to provide innovative, sustainable energy products to residential and commercial customers. With the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems on home and building rooftops, Hudson Energy Solar brings more affordable, renewable energy directly to the consumer enabling them to reduce their environmental impact as well as their energy costs. With no upfront fees, customers pay only for the power generated by the system, providing significant savings on their electric rates. Hudson Energy Solar Inc. is a subsidiary of Just Energy Group Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE:JE and TSX:JE) serving close to 2 million customers across North America. Visit hudsonenergysolar.com to learn more.

About Real Goods Solar, Inc.
Real Goods Solar, Inc. is a leading residential and commercial solar energy EPC provider, having installed over 13,000 solar systems. Real Goods Solar offers turnkey solar energy services and has 34 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with the sale in 1978 of the first solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels in the United States. With 15 offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential and commercial solar providers in the country. For more information about Real Goods Solar, please visit RealGoodsSolar.com, or call (888) 507-2561.

About Smart Energy Capital
Smart Energy Capital, LLC is a leading solar development and finance company headquartered in White Plains, New York. Smart Energy Capital maintains access to multiple investor funds and has successfully developed and financed more than 65 MWs of solar PV projects over the past 18 months for municipalities, schools, commercial entities, and utilities across the country. For more information about Smart Energy Capital, please visit http://www.smartenergycapital.com, or call (914) 618-4788.

About Eastman Companies
Eastman Companies is a recognized leader in high quality real-estate developments with properties throughout New Jersey. Eastman is headquartered in Livingston and boasts a portfolio of more than 1.6 million sq. ft. of office, retail, and industrial space located in Morris, Essex, Bergen, and Burlington Counties.

About Long Wharf
Long Wharf Real Estate Partners LLC is a Boston-based private equity real estate manager that invests in value-added transactions across the U.S. on behalf of institutional clients, including corporate and public pension funds, endowments and foundations.

Real Goods Solar Expands to Delaware

LOUISVILLE, Colo., March 6, 2012 (Solar Energy News)-- 34-year solar veteran and national powerhouse, Real Goods Solar today announced that it has expanded its operations to Delaware, bringing its innovative solar financing plans and three decades of experience to the state.

"Delaware is now offering its residents some of the best incentives in the nation to embrace renewable energy," explained Mark Nelson, Vice President of Northeast Residential Sales for Real Goods. "Our goal is to help Delaware have the highest per capita adoption of solar power in the country."

"The new office and expanded sales team will build on Real Goods Solar's long-standing presence on the east coast," said John Schaeffer, Residential President of Real Goods Solar. "We look forward to helping First State residents reduce their carbon footprint and their dependence on fossil fuels with solar power."

As a special introductory offer, Real Goods is offering $500 cash for homeowners that switch to solar by March 31st. To take advantage of this offer, interested homeowners should call 888.56.SOLAR as soon as possible to schedule their free solar site evaluation.

About Real Goods Solar

Real Goods Solar is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 11,000 solar electric systems. We offer turnkey solutions, and have 34 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with its sale of the first solar photovoltaic panels in the U.S. in 1978. With offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the country. For more information, visit www.RealGoodsSolar.com or call 1-888-56-SOLAR.

Sun Rises On Five New Solar Projects Throughout St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Louis Housing Authority recently completed its ambitious project to power its administrative building and four affordable housing complexes with energy produced by the sun. Designed, installed and engineered by Real Goods Solar (Nasdaq: RSOL), the solar power systems will produce 617kW of energy, which is expected to reduce the complexes' common area electricity use by over 75 percent on average and the Authority's electricity use by 15 percent.

The system is comprised of 405 SunPower and 2,216 Sharp solar panels and was funded using federal Housing and Urban Development Green Communities stimulus funds and energy and redevelopment tax credits. In keeping with the requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, all parts are made in America.

In addition to traditional roof-mounted solar power systems, the affordable housing sites include elevated carport canopy solar arrays which not only provide the optimal south facing structure for the panels, but shade for the cars underneath.

Developed by Sunwheel Energy Partners, an affiliate of affordable housing developer McCormack Baron Salazar, the project will generate approximately 777,000 kilowatt hours of energy a year – the equivalent of powering 81 homes annually or removing 170 vehicles from the road.

"Solar power isn't just for large corporations or those with large incomes," explained Michael Steinbaum, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sunwheel. "It provides an opportunity for just about anyone to reduce costs and have a positive impact on the environment."

According to Tyson Grul, Director of Commercial Solar for Real Goods, the project was among the company's most difficult and most rewarding. "The coordination required to install systems on more than 90 buildings – in a wide variety of weather conditions – was no small feat. However, the result is the largest solar initiative in the state so far, and we believe it will open doors for many future projects – putting Missouri on the path to being a national renewable energy leader."

About Real Goods Solar

Real Goods Solar is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 11,500 solar electric systems for homes, schools and businesses. We offer turnkey solutions, and have 33 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with its sale of the first solar photovoltaic panels in the U.S. in 1978. With 15 offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest solar installers in the country. For more information, visit www.RealGoodsSolar.com or call 1-888-56-SOLAR.

Real Goods Solar Aquires Independent Energy Systems

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Real Goods Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSOL), a leading residential solar energy integrator, announced today that it has expanded its solar energy integration business through the acquisition of Independent Energy Systems, Inc. (IES) of Santa Cruz, CA. This transaction represents the Company’s third acquisition in less than a year. IES, a primarily residential solar energy integrator, had approximately $6 million of revenue in 2007 and positive operating income. Consideration paid, including debt assumed, was within Real Goods Solar’s target range of paying between 50 - 60% of 2007 revenues and consistent with its strategy of driving profitable growth through the acquisition of established market leaders with reputations for quality.

“We are very excited about strengthening our position in Northern California by teaming up with an established local market leader that shares our values and is completely dedicated to the growth of solar energy,” said John Schaeffer, CEO of Real Goods Solar. “IES is a good example of leveraging our existing infrastructure with strategic acquisitions of companies that have an established loyal customer base, a good cultural fit, compatible geography and realizable synergies.”

“As the founder of Independent Energy Systems, it has always been of paramount importance to me that we install high quality, well designed systems and ensure our customers are pleased with our finished product,” said Bob Evans, Founder and President of Independent Energy Systems. “Real Goods is the original solar company, has a powerful brand and a philosophy that is very compatible with IES; all key factors in our decision to team up with John and his team. I am pleased that IES will continue to be a local company intimately connected with the Santa Cruz community, with new skills bolstered by Real Goods’ 30-year history.”

Real Goods Solar To Announce Q2 Results

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: RSOL), will announce results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2008, after the market close on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. The Company will also hold a teleconference to discuss these results with additional comments and details. Participating in the call will be John Schaeffer, Chief Executive Officer, Erik Zech, President and Chief Financial Officer, and Jirka Rysavy, Chairman.

The conference call is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. PDT (11:30 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, August 7, 2008. Participants may access the call by dialing 800-762-8973 (domestic) or 80-248-5081 (international).

Jarvis Winery Taps Real Goods Solar For Power Project

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jarvis Winery just joined the solar revolution with a new solar electric system that will generate approximately 155,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Newly acquired Marin Solar, now fully integrated into Real Goods Solar (NASDAQ:RSOL), was selected to perform all facets of the project, including design, engineering and installation.

Jarvis Winery will be producing as much energy as it uses, and will have a net zero utility bill. It will take approximately seven years to pay for itself, after which all electricity will be free from the sun. This system is warranted for 25 years, but industry experts say that solar panels will still produce power for 40 years or more.

The 107 DC kW system is comprised of 520 SunPower SPR-205 panels, one Xantrex GT100 inverter, and balance of system components including disconnects and mounting hardware for a ground mount on the winery premises.

According to winery owners William and Leticia Jarvis, “This completes our latest shift to a green operation. Since the winery is completely underground and has a constant temperature of 62 degrees year round, it requires no power for air conditioning which is normally the greatest usage factor for a business. The next greatest usage factor is for lighting. Jarvis employs fluorescent lamps of the new lower energy type. From now on all of our electrical energy will be sunpowered.”

Real Goods Solar CEO and Founder, John Schaeffer, commented, “We’re gratified to solarize yet another winery, helping the Jarvis’ to lessen their carbon footprint and contribute to the energy solution while providing a return on investment of over 10%.”

Gaiam To Offer IPO For Solar Subsidiary

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gaiam, Inc. (Nasdaq: GAIA) announced today that it has determined that an initial public offering of a minority interest in Gaiam's Real Goods Solar subsidiary (currently 100% owned) would optimize Real Goods Solar's potential and create additional value for Gaiam shareholders.

A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of shares of Real Goods Solar's Class A common stock. All shares to be sold in the offering will be offered by Real Goods Solar. ThinkEquity Partners LLC will be acting as the lead manager with Canaccord Adams Inc. and Broadpoint Capital, Inc. as co-managers. Real Goods Solar has reserved the Nasdaq ticker symbol "RSOL."

The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from ThinkEquity Partners LLC.

A registration statement relating to Real Goods Solar securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. Securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time that the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Real Goods Solar is a leading residential solar energy integrator. Giving effect to recent acquisitions, Real Goods Solar ranks number one in California, which currently represents approximately two-thirds of the total U.S. market for grid-connected solar energy systems. Real Goods Solar offers turnkey services, including the design, procurement, installation, grid connection, monitoring, and maintenance of solar energy systems. Real Goods Solar has 30 years of experience in residential solar energy, beginning with the sale in 1978 of the first solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels in the United States. Real Goods Solar's predecessors were acquired
by Gaiam in 1999 and 2001.