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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Atascadero, CA, United States, 2016/06/24 - On Tuesday, June 21st at 1:30pm, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will recognize the positive impacts that solar energy generation and distribution has on our regional economy, the environment and the San Luis Obispo County community.
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“It’s our pleasure to acknowledge the solar industry in San Luis Obispo County as they continue to expand options for clean energy for both residential and commercial use,” said Supervisor Debbie Arnold, 5th District Supervisor.
According to an analysis of the tri-county area by the Santa Barbara-based Community Environmental Council, the tri-county region (SLO, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties) will reach a major milestone in solar energy on June 20 by producing approximately one gigawatt or one billion watts of solar power, enough to power more than a quarter million homes.
“As Solarponics gets close to installing 5,000 solar products on the Central Coast, we remember some of the early days before the late 1970s when more than a few folks thought we were a little crazy,” said Frank Scotti of Solarponics. “Not anymore. We’re just extremely grateful that solar is now mainstream, and that we live in a state and a county that support solar energy adaptation.”
“For nearly 40 years, San Luis Obispo County has been a hotbed for the promotion and installation of solar technology, making SLO County an early adopter and leader of the solar industry said Maria Kelly, Business and Community Relations Representative at BHE Renewables,“as Chair of the Energy Cluster at the Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo County (EVC) I am excited to participate in Solar Energy Day 2016 as the solar industry has grown to become a major driver of our local economy.”
“Having solar companies do business locally contributes significantly to the local economy,” said Mike Manchak, President and CEO of the Economic Vitality Corporation. The economic benefits to the tri-counties are $1.55 billion this year alone; these benefits have an important impact on the health of the communities and the greater economy.”
The solar industry provides engineering, project management, construction, marketing and business operation jobs. Some of these are head-of-household jobs that would otherwise not exist but for the companies that are committed to doing business in the county. The solar industry is seeing long-term positive trends in San Luis Obispo County, providing more opportunities for job growth in the future.
The following Solar Companies will be represented at the SLO County Supervisors Board Hearing:
About Solarponics
Solarponics (solarponics.com) was founded by Mike Emrich in 1975, and installed some of the first solar water heaters on the central coast and is the oldest continuously operating solar energy company in California. Solarponics installs solar electric, solar pool heating, radiant energy systems as well as solar water heating for residential and commercial applications.
About BHE Renewables
BHE Renewables, an industry leader in renewable energy generation ownership is dedicated to the communities where its projects are located. BHE Renewables is the proud owner of the 550-megawatt Topaz Solar Farms in San Luis Obispo County.
About REC Solar
REC is the only renewable energy provider focused exclusively on businesses and backed by Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the world. REC Solar makes commercial solar simple, working seamlessly with customer operations to deliver clean energy for decades.
About Sunrun
Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) is the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States with a mission to create a planet run by the sun. The company designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains the solar panels on a homeowner's roof, while families receive predictable pricing for 20 years or more.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization that makes renewable energy technology and training accessible to underserved communities. We bring together community partners, volunteers and job trainees to implement solar power and energy efficiency for low-income families, providing energy cost savings, valuable hands-on experience, and a source of clean, local energy that benefits us all.
About SunPower
SunPower by Photon Brothers makes it easy to get the highest quality solar installation, offering the most efficient and longest lasting gear available. With unmatched craftsmanship SunPower by Photon Brothers installations look great and work even better. Serving both the residential and commercial customers our goal is exceed expectations giving the solar industry the credibility it deserves.
About Electricraft
A local family owned and operated electrical contractor led by two brothers who are 3rd generation electrical contractors. Electricraft continues to provide construction services to many local renewable energy projects ranging from private residential to commercial and universal solar sites.
About First Solar
First Solar has more than 10 gigawatts (GW) installed worldwide, we believe that clean affordable solar electricity is an essential part of the worldwide energy mix. By integrating technologies, services and expertise across the entire solar value chain, First Solar delivers bankable PV energy solutions that enable a world powered by reliable and affordable solar electricity.
About NRG
NRG serves thousands of customers worldwide. NRG provides clean, renewables electricity for utilities that serve thousands of customers. NRG is the owner/operator of the 250 megawatt California Valley Solar Ranch in the California Valley, San Luis Obispo County.
Economic Vitality Corporation, Energy Cluster
The Energy Cluster is a cluster of industry supported by the county’s economic strategy project, and managed by the EVC. The Cluster is committed to helping San Luis Obispo County region be an innovative community that supports the County’s history of energy production while fostering the need for a growth in renewable energy sources. The Cluster supports reliable, sustainable and cost-effective energy resources and the infrastructure to deliver them.
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