American Solar Electric Donates Solar Electric Systems To Habitat For Humanity Program

Published: 14-May-2009

By: Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

American Solar Electric, Inc. (American Solar Electric), a US-based design-build firm specializing in photovoltaic (PV) power systems, has donated solar electric systems to Habitat for Humanity Program as part of the company’s 2009 community outreach program. The systems will range in size from 2.73 to 3.15 kilowatts and are comprised of Kyocera Solar, Inc (Kyocera) 210- watt PV modules and Fronius International GmbH (Fronius) IG and IG+ inverters.

Five families participating in Habitat for Humanity’s new homeowner program will be moving into solar-powered homes this year as a result of an industry partnership coordinated by American Solar Electric.

Electricity generated by the solar electric systems will be used to offset utility power, thereby reducing the cost of electricity for the new homeowners. The systems are forecasted to produce between 4,700 and 5,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity in their first year of production.

“Even as our local economy has slowed, the local solar industry has continued to boom,” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric. “Thanks to our continued success and the contributions made by our employees and industry partners, we’ve been able to increase the number of solar projects we donate to Habitat for Humanity from two in 2008 to five in 2009.”

“Solar systems are not only a great source of clean energy but they significantly lower monthly electricity bills as well,” said US Representative. Harry Mitchell. “At a time when many people are struggling economically, Habitat for Humanity’s energy efficient homes will help insulate these families from rising energy costs.”

In addition to American Solar Electric’s donation of system components, employees of American Solar Electric and Kyocera Solar, Inc (Kyocera) are donating their time and expertise to install the systems. Additionally, Fronius International GmbH (Fronius) has agreed to supply high-efficiency inverters for the projects at discounted prices.

“The partnership with American Solar Electric has a significant impact on Habitat’s ability to build affordable homes. We appreciate American Solar’s commitment to renewable energy and to the families we serve,” said Roger Schwierjohn, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona.

“We, at Kyocera, are pleased that our employees are volunteering their time to help Habitat for Humanity improve the human condition and the environment by installing pollution-free solar energy on homes,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera.

“Fronius is excited to be a part of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to create sustainable affordable housing,” said Gord Petroski, director, Fronius USA, Solar Division. “Long-term planning is a core value at Fronius, and we are proud our inverters will be a part of the systems that will help keep these homes affordable into the future.”

It is the goal of Habitat for Humanity to achieve leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certification on all five homes. One of the homes will be featured as part of the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo coming to Phoenix on November 11, 2009- November 13, 2009. This featured home has been designed to be a ‘net zero energy’ home; meaning the energy generated with renewable resources is as much energy as the homeowners would use on a net annual basis. Three homes are expected to be completed in the spring with two more this fall.

Solar Electric panels will be installed at one of the Habitat for Humanity homes on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

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