New Orleans homeowners offered discount solar systems

April 21, 2010

Homeowners in New Orleans are being offered the chance to switch to solar power with systems provided at a discounted rate of $6.65 per watt.

The offer comes from San Francisco-based community solar specialists One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), and will be available to homeowners in the greater New Orleans area until July 20, 2010.

The company is working with New Orleans installer South Coast Solar on the project, after a month-long vetting process. The company offers solar panels made by Californian company SunPower.

1BOG CEO Dave Llorens said Federal and state incentives would cover 80% of the cost of a solar electric system, making solar power a “no brainer” for New Orleans homeowners.

“Tremendous deal”

Mr Llorens said: “When you add the 1BOG unique group discount on top of that, this is a tremendous deal. As a Louisiana native, I’m excited that this campaign has the potential to make New Orleans a solar leader.”

1BOG and South Coast Solar will be working with local architect and developer Wisznia Architecture and Development on the New Orleans solar program.

The companies will be holding an educational networking event on May 20, 2010, to explain the solar development process, as well as available rebates and incentives, to homeowners in the city.

Tucker Crawford, CEO at South Coast Solar, said the 1BOG campaign would provide an easy way for the community to add value to its homes, lower bills and stimulate the local economy.

Mr Crawford said: “1BOG’s community approach provides confidence for homeowners that solar is the right thing to do and that it’s a great investment for their wallets, homes and the environment.”