New Residential Power Purchase Agreement Launch

The following is an article about a new program I can now offer residential homeowners!!! It is a Power Purchase Agreement.





Applied Solar Launches Solar Communities Program in San Diego County
New Program Aims to Speed Adoption without Significant Up-Front Cost
On Monday April 13, 2009, 8:00 am EDT


SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Solar, Inc. (OTCBB: APSO - News), a leading developer of solar energy solutions, today announced the launch of its Solar Communities™ program in San Diego County. The program, which is being kicked off with a series of open house events, aims to expedite the number of homes utilizing clean solar energy by overcoming two of the most common obstacles to solar adoption: cost and aesthetics.
While Americans are increasingly interested in utilizing renewable energy applications in their homes, many are hesitant to make an investment in rooftop solar panels due to the high upfront costs, which can run tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, while state rebates and federal tax incentives have the potential to significantly defray the cost of solar power, many homeowners are unable to take full advantage of these incentives. Applied Solar intends to change this.
“While it is true that now, more than ever, Americans are concerned about the environmental impact of their actions, they are also keenly focused on controlling their monthly household expenses,” said David Field, president and CEO of Applied Solar. “Any proposition to switch to solar power must also entail a way to save on household costs in the near term. If we are able to bring the payback period for solar down to three or four years versus the traditional 10 years, it makes a lot more financial sense for consumers.”
Through Applied Solar’s Solar Communities™ program, a new financing tool is available for San Diego County homeowners patterned after the highly successful model utilized in the commercial sector for the last several years – power purchase agreements (PPAs). PPAs first hit the San Diego residential market in 2008, but were only available for the conventional rack-mounted solar panels that many homeowners – and homeowner associations – often rejected as unsightly.
With the Solar Communities™ program, PPAs are now available for the first time on more aesthetically pleasing, premium “building integrated” solar tiles. These innovative systems blend into the color and texture of the roof surface for a clean, seamless look not previously associated with solar panels. The solar tiles, available in brown, slate gray and terracotta to match various roof styles, were developed by Applied Solar and are manufactured by Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP - News), the world’s largest solar module producer, to ensure the highest quality and reliability. Many of the nation’s top builders – including Toll Brothers, Pulte, Centex and William Lyons – utilize SolarBlend™ Solar Tiles on account of their efficiency, reliability and visual appeal.


How It Works
Step One: The Solar Communities™ program representatives identify the solar energy system best suited for the needs of the particular homeowner. The system should be sized for optimal energy savings, by shaving off the most expensive Tier 3 and Tier 4 energy purchases, which often represent 60 percent or more of the typical San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customer’s annual bill.


Step Two: The homeowner signs a PPA and pays only a portion of the upfront cost, which is typically about $2,000-$3,000 for a 2kW system, as opposed to the $20,000 or more the system would cost to purchase outright.


Step Three: The solar power system is installed, along with a free EcoTouch™ Energy Management System, valued at over $1,200. The EcoTouch™ System features a touch-screen wall display panel that allows families to monitor and control their home’s energy usage in real time in order to optimize their energy usage and further increase savings.
Step Four: The homeowner purchases the energy generated by the solar power system at prices locked in below those of SDG&E, saving up to 20 percent on electricity costs.
Step Five: Applied Solar or an affiliate is responsible for all long-term operation and maintenance of the solar energy system, and the homeowner enjoys long-term affordable, reliable solar energy.