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New Jersey and California residents offered affordable solar option

San Francisco-based One Block Off the Grid vets local solar installers and negotiates group discount rates for members

Householders in South New Jersey and in Los Angeles, California, are being offered an affordable way to switch to solar power.

Group discount company One Block Off the Grid has launched campaigns to offer solar installations it says will have an average payback time as little as four years.

The San Francisco-based company works to provide cheaper solar systems by negotiating group discounts with a local solar installer in certain neighborhoods, then helping to manage the process of installing systems for their homeowner members.

Founded in 2008, One Block Off the Grid currently has 12 active campaigns around the US.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, it is teaming up with local firm Trinity Solar to provide solar panels, bought through a group discount rate that cuts installation costs by around 15%.

Homeowners who sign up will be assigned a personal advisor to help them through the installation process.

The campaign is available to homeowners in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties through September 14, 2010.

Dave Llorens, chief executive at 1BOG, said: “Arguably, New Jersey is the best place in the U.S. for homeowners to go solar. The combination of 1BOG’s group discount, the state’s special SREC program and Trinity’s financing options make solar affordable upfront and an incredible return on investment.”

Tom Pollock, President of Trinity Solar, one of the largest solar installers in New Jersey, said: “One of Trinity’s goals is to bring simple and affordable solar power to all who want it, and we can make more of an impact in local communities through 1BOG’s initiatives in the area.”

LA

In and around Los Angeles, California, 1BOG is working with two installation companies on its new campaign.

Homeowners in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County and the Inland Empire are eligible to take part through until September 14, 2010.

1BOG is working with Murrieta-based HelioPower and San Luis Obispo-based REC Solar to provide the installations.

Mr Llorens said: “1BOG’s ‘no-negotiation’ group purchase model helps homeowners rest easy knowing they’re working with the right installer at the right price, so that they can take advantage of local solar incentives.

The best time to go solar just got better” - Scott Gordon, HelioPower

“We are thrilled to work with two of the region’s best installers to service 1BOG members in Los Angeles County, Inland Empire and Orange County with affordable, easy solar electric systems,” he added.

HelioPower will provide installations for the Inland Empire and Orange County, kicking off the campaign with an educational event in Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday.

Scott Gordon, HelioPower’s vice president of residential sales, said: “We have already helped over 130 1BOG members go solar in previous campaigns and we look forward to helping 1BOG’s newest members realize their solar ambitions.

“When we combine 1BOG’s pre-negotiated pricing with SunRun financing, the best time to go solar just got better for those in the Inland Empire and Orange County.”