By Glenna Wiseman, Vice President, Marketing, HelioPower

At HelioPower we help our clients tell their solar story.  We work with commercial, community and utility clients creating communication programs to herald their new solar power installation.   Our efforts help them weave the aspects of a solar installation into an overall green marketing message that supports their brand.

Solar is an exciting addition to an organization’s environmental efforts.  In fact, a solar power system assists on multiple levels of a Triple Bottom Line approach benefiting the company’s people, its profits and environmental efforts (the planet).

Having successfully completed several affiliate marketing programs for HelioPower clients, this information is designed to contribute to the industry’s knowledge base and guidelines for successfully telling a client’s solar story and thus contributing to their overall green marketing message.

Nearly all of our commercial and public sector clients have worked through the normal list of “reduce your energy and energy use costs” before they adopt solar.  Way before the solar conversation starts they have harvested the “low hanging environmental fruit” of recycling, green purchasing, etc.  Past this phase, they move to implementing energy monitoring to determine peak demand usage and reduce it, and energy use overall to create cost reduction programs. Out of this information comes the use of energy efficiency technologies including lighting, motors, HVAC, etc.  Solar is not generally where they start or where they should start, unless they are building a new U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) structure. Then solar power technologies should be part of the design from the initial stages of the development.

Once solar is part of the client’s overall green building, thus environmental strategy, HelioPower works with them to communicate the role solar plays in these efforts and thus the environmental aspects of their brand.

A marketing / communication program for a HelioPower solar client becomes appropriate when we can implement the following guidelines:
• Assist our clients to communicate environmental benefits of solar
• Optimize strategic partner alliances
• Involve the community, green building, local and state government
• Utilize Internet and social media to provide transparency & communication
• Educate stakeholders
• Work as a team

Each solar promotion program will have its unique opportunities and challenges.  In order for solar promotion program to be successful we have found that it is essential to meet all of these objectives. 

HelioPower assists our clients to communicate environmental benefits of solar.  Part of our responsibility as an organization’s solar power partner is to help them gather the information needed about their solar installation.  We assist them in developing a full understanding of their solar power system, how it works, energy generation data, environmental offset data, how to explain it to their constituents and whatever information they need to communicate their solar program. 

We provide information online about the client’s solar power installation on the HelioPower website.  Our efforts are coordinated with the client’s to create information that is easy to access and captures all the correct data about the solar project. 

Affiliate marketing programs must optimize strategic partner alliances. At HelioPower we have

Bill Nye, the "Science Guy" shines light on Bob's Big Boy solar event, supported by Canadian Solar, SMA and sponsors

the distinct pleasure of working with some of the industry’s great brands and high profile clients.  Any program that we participate in or spearhead for one of our clients must involve strategic partners in the industry and those affiliated with our client.  Communicating the solar story would not be complete without involving the solar power panel manufacturer, inverter partner, and potentially the energy performance monitoring company.  It can also involve brands that do business with the client as was the case with the Bob’s Big Boy campaign we implemented last fall.  The key is to involve those within the industry who have participated in the solar installation by way of product and those who do business with the client.

Involve the community, green building, local and state government.  One of the very exciting aspects of taking on a communication program to highlight a solar installation is involving the stakeholders in the community. 

Community groups gather to support Porsche solar panel dedication

We are all obviously familiar with the solar “ribbon cutting/ throw the switch” ceremony.  These are important celebrations of the commitment the client has made to solar power generation.  This type of event is the most valuable when it is an opportunity to reach out to stakeholders in the community and give them a chance to support the client. 

In the construction phase of a solar celebration or marketing program, it is our job to identify community, green building, local and state governmental groups and leaders who should be involved in a program.  And you don’t need to stop here.  You can reach out to a loyal customer base, supporters, local charity groups, and any other organization whose contribution to the program will enrich all parties involved.

Utilize Internet and social media to provide transparency & communication. Marketing messages regarding environmental strategies must be transparent and easy to find online.   This upholds the integrity of the message. 

It is critical to strategize the online aspects of a client’s solar marketing program.  The effort may be as simple as identifying the best media distribution source and insuring the joint press release is supported with accurate online information about the solar installation.  It may be a more comprehensive approach that involves a program-specific website.  Each effort is unique.  Insuring opportunities for an online program are investigated and maximized as needed is essential.

Educate stakeholders.  Telling a solar story must include programs to educate the client’s constituents.  Programs typically include communication to employees, investors, media and press, community members, etc.  When you are considering a program, think about what groups are involved with your company or client and what aspects of the solar installation would hold meaning for them.  Within a particular solar story, different themes and information will hold meaning for each distinct constituent group.  Thinking through all these “story lines” will create positive communication and honor the many groups that support or are involved with the client, and thus have some level of involvement with the solar installation.

Work as a team.  Our renewable energy industry is filled with talented, positive professionals who are a joy to work alongside and truly are impassioned by their mission within the industry.  We have the distinct pleasure to assist our clients in communicating their solar story.  Thus we work to create a team approach for each marketing program, from a relatively simple press release to solar ribbon cutting events and more elaborate affiliate marketing programs. 

It takes a dedicated team of client and solar installation company individuals to successfully design and install a solar power system. So too the best programs to tell a client’s solar story, within the auspices of their brand message, also involve a team effort.

You can reach me at gwiseman@HelioPower.com.  I welcome your comments, insights and observations.

Sony Electronics Inc. will bring employees, government officials, community members, building partners and representatives of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics, Inc. and HelioPower together today to celebrate the opening of their new 455,000 square foot “green” headquarters in San Diego. 

The building, constructed in a two years, was built with an emphasis on employee comfort and energy

Sony Electronics headquarters with Mitsubishi solar panel system installed on parking structure by HelioPower

efficiency.  A 160-kilowatt (kW) DC Mitsubishi Electric panel solar power system was collaborated under the SDG&E Sustainable Communities Program was installed by California-based solar integration company, HelioPower.  The solar power system was installed on the employee parking structure, utilizing an innovative and attractive design which averted the need for space allocation for a large central inverter.

The Sony Electronics building will house 1,400 of the company’s 2,000 area employees.  It was designed to exemplify the best in energy conservation technologies.  Energy saving strategies include the solar power system on the parking structure, energy-efficient air conditioning and heating and the use of recycled materials in the carpeting and furniture.  Drought-resistant landscaping was also used and all the construction debris was recycled.  The building’s design and construction process incorporated many environmental features according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification requirements.

“Sony is committed to reducing our impact on the environment,” said Greg Aveni, facilities director for Sony Electronics. “We are doing this by implementing methods to reduce energy-use, such as installing solar panels for our new San Diego building and waste from our day-to-day operations, while at the same time finding ways to develop more energy-efficient products.”

The Sony Electronics project is one of many San Diego-based energy-efficient projects on which SDG&E has collaborated.  The utility supports energy- efficient and sustainable programs for commercial construction, and provides cash incentives and technical assistance to builders wanting to build energy-efficient buildings. In addition, SDG&E works with these builders to develop utility-owned solar panels for their projects that provide this renewable, solar energy back to the local community. 
 
“Sony Electronics’ forward-thinking approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy in their daily business practices is something their employees and our community can be proud of,” said Alex Kim, director of customer innovations for SDG&E. 

The 160kW DC installation consists of 867 Mitsubishi Electric 185-watt photovoltaic (PV) modules and is expected to produce 230,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.  In addition to the clean energy created by the solar panels, Mitsubishi Electric’s eco-friendly modules use 100-percent lead-free solder and are manufactured according to strict environmental standards. 

“We're proud to be a part of Sony Electronics’ new headquarters building and commend them for designing an innovative and low-impact facility for their employees.  This is an excellent example of a building that can gain immediate benefits from solar power,” said Gina Heng, general manager of Mitsubishi Electric’s photovoltaic division. 

Designing and building the PV system on the Sony Electronics’ structure was a yearlong engineering project that involved electrical, structural and utility engineers. By working closely with all relevant parties, solar power system installer, HelioPower, was able to design a system that met Sony Electronics’ needs and SDG&E's requirements for an aesthetic, highly productive and safe PV system.  One of the innovations was to meet the requirements for a covered parking structure with the solar power system installation.  HelioPower was also able to integrate the 160 kW DC array with 21 field-distributed SMA inverters; eliminating the need for a large central unit for which space was not available.

“Connecting the output of a PV power plant to the utility side of the meter is a complex process.  Rigorous utility interconnection standards must be followed as a separately derived service entrance is our point of connection to the SDG&E electrical grid,” explained Jonah Liebes, vice president of operations for HelioPower.  “Unlike many installations, this is not a 'Net Metered' solar system. As such, the energy from the solar system by-passes the Sony Electronic meter and is funneled directly into the utility grid and distributed locally. Sony and their neighbors will certainly use the renewable energy collected by the system, but indirectly via the SDG&E grid.”

The Sony Electronics building is located at 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127.

Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), HelioPower, Inc. and Bob’s Big Boy of Burbank today announced the launch of the Bob’s “Sixty and Solar” campaign.  Commemorating 60 years in operation by going a modern “green,” Bob’s is inaugurating a 26 kW Canadian Solar photovoltaic panel system installed by HelioPower. The “Sixty and Solar” celebration showcases Bob’s solar power installation and invites fans to participate by sharing their Bob’s stories. To kick off the celebration, Bob’s patrons are invited to register their restaurant memories at a filming this weekend at the Burbank location.  

The Bob's Big Boy Restaurant located at 4211 Riverside Drive in Burbank, California is the oldest remaining Bob's Big Boy in the United States.  Over the years Bob's has seen a parade of celebrity names stop by for a hamburger.  Movie stars of old have been regulars, with the restaurant serving some of the world's top musical talent and being the site of the celebrity attended Friday Night classic car show.

“Our 50^th celebration gave us an opportunity to invite patrons to a parking lot beach party,” said Bob’s Big Boy owner Philip MacDonald. The MacDonald family has owned the Bob’s since 1949 and took over operations in 1993, the same year it was designated a California Point of Historical Interest.  “In addition to going ‘green’ we are using the contemporary tools of a new generation to bring our fans together on the Internet. This campaign is a platform for our patrons to share their Bob’s memories online as well as come in and see us,” said MacDonald.

Filming of Bob’s stories will take place Friday, July 17 from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday, July 18 from 10 am to 5 pm at the restaurant.  There is no charge; however those who participate will be required to sign a photo release form.  Stories will be edited and posted online as appropriate on the campaign’s website, http://www.SixtyandSolar.com, YouTube, Facebook and MySpace sites.

“Bob’s has a very special place in the American landscape,” said Greg Ashley, President of Canadian Solar (USA), Inc. “The owners of this unique structure have demonstrated leadership to building owners across the country. By optimizing renewable energy design and historical architecture, Bob’s has proven that green energy and architectural charm can work well together.  We are very pleased that Canadian Solar’s high performance solar panels are a part of this installation and a part of the ‘Sixty and Solar’ celebration. Happy Birthday, Bob!” 

The restaurant is now generating a portion of its own electricity from a solar power system

Carport component of Bob's solar array, HelioPower installed using Canadian Solar solar modules

“From concept to design, implementation to a fully operational solar power system, HelioPower has done a wonderful job installing solar power on our historic building,” explained MacDonald. 

“Bob’s has a rich tradition of being a good neighbor. Over the years they have given over $500,000 to local charities.  At their 50^th celebration Habitat for Humanity was part of the festivities.  This year, the San Fernando Valley chapter of Habitat for Humanity will rejoin the list of Bob’s charities as the official charity of the ‘Sixty and Solar’ celebration,” explained Glenna Wiseman, Vice President of Marketing for HelioPower. 

"As the only Habitat affiliate that builds in Burbank and the San Fernando Valley, we rely on local businesses and our neighbors to help raise funds to provide decent affordable housing right here in our community, so we are honored to be an ongoing part of Bob's history and future,” said Jack Shine, Chairman of the Board of Habitat for Humanity, San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley, Serving Northern LA City and County.

Wiseman continued, “This campaign has magic.  It is a wonderful opportunity for Bob’s fans around the world to connect and celebrate Bob’s, its rich tradition and the modern commitment its owners have shown to solar technology.”

Additional sponsors of the “Sixty and Solar” campaign currently include American Meat Company, Apffels Gourmet Coffee, Sysco Los Angeles and U.S. Foods.  For more information about becoming a sponsor please email gwiseman@heliopower.com.

For more information visit us online at http://www.sixtyandsolar.com.

Follow at Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixtyandsolar

On FaceBook:  http://tinyurl.com/mweys8

On YouTube at SixtyandSolar

For more information on the project specifics click here.

About Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)

Canadian Solar Inc. is a leading vertically integrated provider of ingot, wafer, solar cell, solar module and other solar applications. Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar systems for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar module producers by manufacturing capacity. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global sustainable development. For more information, visit http://www.canadian-solar.com.

About HelioPower

HelioPower has been committed to engineering solar power solutions for residential, commercial, community and utility scale partners since 2001.  A leading sustainable energy integration firm, HelioPower operates in California and Nevada, serving clients worldwide. HelioPower can be reached toll free at 1 87 SOLAR 888 or on the web at http://www.HelioPower.com.

To achieve their goal, they converted an old auto body shop into a new state-of-the-art office building, becoming an example within the community for building re-use and environmentally sustainable re-development. The building is expertly designed to maximize energy efficiency, featuring emerging technologies such as solar thermal water heating, LED lighting and operable skylights. The office hosts a San Diego Gas & Electric-owned 16 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on its roof, which provides renewable energy to the community. The PV system designed and installed by HelioPower, offsets 104% of the building’s energy use.

This building by and for ARCHITECTS hanna gabriel wells is an outstanding example of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, making it the first Net-Zero building in San Diego County.

Photo Credit: ARCHITECTS hanna gabriel wells

With 84 solar modules from Sharp, the solar power system will produce 26,400 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity per year.

For more specific information and more photos of this ground-breaking project, click here.

Ecopreneurist Editor’s Note: The is a guest contribution by Ian Rogoff, Chairman of the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization, and Chairman and CEO of The Helio Group (parent company to HelioPower). This is the sixth post in a series from the CEO’s of major solar companies. You can follow the complete series here.

There is a long overdue debate underway in industry and political circles regarding the merits of federal funding for renewable energy (RE) commercialization.

Distinct from RE projects and RE deployments, commercialization involves identifying specific technologies and entrepreneurs based on their perceived commercial potential and financing the respective project teams along a vector towards commercial success.

The types of commercialization activities typically funded include scaling benchtop prototypes to meet market requirements, characterizing technologies to understand performance and limits, testing boundary conditions, designing for manufacturability, testing for real world conditions, scaling refinery processes, among others.

Commercialization is quite distinct from basic research, and expressly does not seek to fund pure science or unproven claims. Typically, commercialization funding stops at a point where the private sector steps in and either assumes the next funding milestone or market acceptance/rejection obviates the need for additional financing entirely.

Two types of barriers exist today in the commercialization of renewable energy technology: the “valley of death” and the “mountain of death.”

Renewable Energy’s Valley of Death

Basic RE research is being conducted at numerous institutions around the world and much of this technology remains trapped in labs for want of commercialization know-how and funding. Basic and applied research is likewise being conducted in commercial enterprises, but much of that research is often constrained through short-term return on investment requirements.

In addition, renewable energy technology often fails to garner the resources and funding needed in order to reach commercial viability as a result of existing regulatory and fiscal regimens that bias markets towards incumbent technologies. Absent investment and institutional know-how, the commercialization of renewable energy will continue to be hampered in its application and hindered in its ability to cross the so-called “valley of death.”

Renewable Energy’s Mountain of Death

What makes renewable energy different from many other technology-based industries, however, is not just the valley of death which is common to many technology-based industries, but more the “mountain of death,” or specifically the amount of capital and time required to take promising but nascent energy technologies to widespread deployment. The energy industry tends to be an asset-based industry, and those assets are usually expensive. Early stage private capital tends to shun capital intensive businesses, and unlike information technology, for example, the energy industry does not generally provide some highly desirable “must-have” new capability, but simply supplants an existing commodity, be it the flow of electrons, or a transportation fluid, or whatever.

Unfortunately, even in good economic conditions, there is limited funding available for pilot and demonstration phases for scaling renewable energy technology. Add to this the lack of resources required to create and implement commercialization roadmaps and it becomes clear why half-hearted attempts at developing this industry have stalled.

Given the uncertainty, costs and times frames involved in overcoming the mountain of death, there needs to be a very strong enabler in order to stimulate renewable energy commercialization on a large scale. Absent regulation, market signals (like pricing carbon), or specific incentives, there are simply no compelling economic reasons in the short term for the incumbent industry leaders to switch from existing feedstocks to renewable sources. As mentioned above, in other technology-based industries, early-stage capital funds innovative disrupters, but there is simply not enough equity financing available to stimulate the early stage energy companies in such a capital intensive industry, and start-ups simply do not have the balance sheet strength typically required for project finance and other sources of financing.

The renewable energy industry is different from other technology-based industries. Granted, it is slowed by the valley of death, but widespread deployment is truly hampered by the mountain. If we are committed to the potential of renewable energy as a solution to many of our climate, economic and national security concerns, we need to recognize the need for strong federal and state support for commercializing renewable energy technologies or we run the risk of looking back on this period and wondering why (to paraphrase Rahm Emanuel) we wasted a crisis.

On Thursday, March 19, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. hosted a dedication ceremony to celebrate the installation of a new solar panel system at the Porsche Logistics Center in Ontario, CA. The solar power system was designed and installed by HelioPower at 5100 E. Ontario Mills Parkway, using 372 solar modules from Sharp and will produce 135,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity per year.

Following is a recap of what our esteemed speakers had to say about this landmark achievement.

“At Porsche we a have an employee program called Green Choice. It basically says let’s think before we act and make environmentally responsible choices. That’s exactly what we’ve done here with the installation of our new solar panel system.”

Tim Quinn, Vice President of Aftersales, PCNA

Rob Nemchik, General Manager, Porsche Logistics Services

“This is another important milestone in Porsche’s long-term strategy for environmentally friendly and sustainability projects that also makes sound business sense.” 

Paul Leon, Mayor, City of Ontario, CA

 “We hope many more companies in the area will catch the green initiative they have demonstrated here today.”

Jess C. Vizcaino, Jr., Senior Congressional Representative to Congressman Joe Baca, 43rd District

 “California is in the forefront of green technology investment. The new solar power system here in Ontario is an investment that will pay huge dividends for our future.”

Bonnie Montoya-May, Chair, U.S. Green Building Council-Inland Empire

 “I didn’t realize how much Porsche had done to support sustainability until a couple of days ago. I hope you will continue to bring that initiative forward so that other companies will follow your example.”

Steve LoRusso, Vice President of Sales, HelioPower

"The world is on fire and it is companies like Porsche who are doing something about it." 

Deniene Husted, Communications Director, Green Valley Initiative

“Porsche is saying it’s sexy to go solar. I hope people are hearing that message loud and clear.”

Photography:

Marie Bunke

http://www.photoartbymarie.com

This commercial-scale solar power system will avoid the emission of more than 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. It represents one of the more significant solar installs in the Ontario metro area.

Porsche Solar Panel Installation at its Ontario, CA Facility Installed by HelioPower

Ontario, CA Facility on Thursday, March 19

Award to be Given to Porsche by Green Valley Initiative at Dedication Ceremony

Porsche will dedicate and reveal its extensive new solar panel system at a ceremony being held this Thursday, March 19, 10:30am at its Regional Support Facility in Ontario, California. The solar panel power array is the first on a Porsche facility in the U.S. and one of the area’s most significant. Porsche partnered with HelioPower and Sharp on the project.

At the ceremony, Porsche’s new solar panel installation will receive the Inland Empire’s Green Valley Initiative (GVI) award, the first ever “Certificate of Recognition” for environmentally sound projects in the region.  GVI is a regional effort to establish the Inland Empire as a leader in green and clean technologies, a collaborative effort that will bring jobs, commerce and a better quality of life to the region.  The Green Valley Initiative is a cooperative effort between government, business, academic and community leaders from throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and is a project of the nonprofit Green Institute for Village Empowerment.

The Ceremony will feature speeches from Porsche Cars North American (PCNA) representatives, and city and state officials, HelioPower, Sharp, as well as attendance by local environmental organizations.

WHO:             

• Tim Quinn, Vice President of Aftersales, Porsche Cars North America, Inc
• Paul Leon, Mayor, City of Ontario, CA
• Jess C. Vizcaino, Jr., Senior Congressional Representative to Congressman Joe Baca, 43rd District
• Mike Lasky, Director of Reseller Channel Sales, Sharp
• Steve LoRusso, VP Sales, HelioPower
• Bonnie Montagna-May, Chair, U.S. Green Building Council-Inland Empire
• Deniene Husted, Communications Director, Green Valley Initiative

Media interested in attending please contact:

Tony Fouladpour, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. , via email at: tony.fouladpour@porsche.us

HelioPower commercial installation for Dos Molson in Poway, CA

The United States Senate on Tuesday voted by an overwhelming majority to extend the Production (PTC) and Investment Tax Credits (ITC). The tax measure was passed by a vote of 93-2. Now it goes back to the U.S. House of Representatives where it could be approved later this week.

Under the legislation, the PTC will be extended for one year and the ITC will be extended for eight years. The extensions would be at least partially paid for by a change in the tax code for the oil and gas industry. The bill also contains removal of the US $2,000 cap for residential solar installations. The US $18 billion package is part of a larger tax bill worth approximately US $148 billion.

Citi and Helio Micro Utility Announce

the Green Energy Community Investment Fund ^™

Initial Phase of new Fund will Power up to Four Megawatts of Commercial and Public Sector

Solar Energy System Installations

New York, NY and Berkeley, CA, August 14, 2008/ Citi Community Capital, a division of Citi, and Helio Micro Utility today announced the creation of the Green Energy Community Investment Fund to initially finance up to four megawatts of solar electricity production this year.  Through this new initiative, solar power systems will be installed on qualifying commercial and public sector facilities throughout the U.S., with an emphasis on underserved communities.   Helio mU, headquartered in Berkeley, CA, provides solar electricity to commercial, residential and not-for-profit customers with little or no initial capital outlay through long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

The first of its kind in the clean energy sector, the Green Energy Community Investment Fund™ puts a special focus on commercial, non-profit and public entities in low and moderate income areas.  The Fund will follow the same model as the established Helio Green Energy Plan™, enabling qualifying entities to buy the power generated from a solar installation rather than the panels themselves, thus providing upfront savings and smoothing the path to solar adoption. 

“Energy is a major concern in the everyday operation of businesses and organizations across America,” said Andrew Ditton, Managing Director of Citi Community Capital.  “This Fund is an excellent opportunity for us to expand the mission of our community development efforts to bring affordable green energy solutions to facilities primarily in low and moderate income areas. It also supports Citi's 2007 announcement of $50 billion in investment and financing over 10 years to address global climate change. We are pleased to work with the Helio Micro Utility team on this vital environmental and economic initiative.”

Helio Micro Utility Chairman, Ian Rogoff, explained “we created Helio Micro Utility in order to introduce innovative renewable energy finance and supply chain offerings to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions.  With the Green Energy Community Investment Fund, we have partnered with Citi to combine their environmental and community goals, and global financial strength, with our first-of-their-kind financial products for dramatically accelerated solar power adoption among traditionally under-served markets.”

“We are delighted with Citi’s support, and especially proud to work with them to expand the use of solar energy to help our planet while also serving local communities,” said Mo Rousso, President & CEO of Helio mU.   “With budget cuts, rising energy and gasoline prices and economic pressures, it is more crucial than ever for businesses, schools and non profit organizations of all types to receive assistance now.  With this support from Citi Community Capital, we are able to offer much needed help to reduce and stabilize energy costs and reduce dependence on brown energy.”

In 2007 Citi Community Capital (CCC), formerly Citibank Community Development, provided up to $5 billion for affordable housing and community revitalization projects in locations around the country.  The Green Energy Community Investment Fund is part of Citi’s U.S. initiative to support business and community improvement with programs that also include environmentally positive objectives.

The Green Energy Community Investment Fund was created to support the installation of solar electricity systems on commercial and public sector buildings. Ideal criteria for participation in this new program include:

• Solar projects that can be completed prior to the end of 2008 so that the benefits of the Federal Incentive Tax Credit (ITC) program can be applied to the solar power system installation cost.
• Customer sites that are owner occupied or have more than 10 years remaining on the building lease.
• Sites that have adequate roof space for a solar electricity system capable of generating at least 50 kW, or approximately 9,000 square feet of space.
• Sites that have unobstructed sun exposure year round.
• Sites that are paying over $2,000 per month in electricity bills.
• Sites in California, New Jersey, or other states with existing state-level solar incentive programs

Tom Millhoff, Vice President of Business Development for Helio mU will lead the qualification process of facilities for the fund.  “We will move quickly to evaluate building sites and install solar power systems this year. We encourage interested customers to contact us, particularly for projects that can be completed by the end of this year.  In addition to end customers, solar power integration firms who have non-residential projects which might qualify for support from the Green Energy Community Investment Fund™ should contact us immediately,” said Mr. Millhoff.

For more information:

Citi Community Capital

The community development division of Citi was created to fulfill the diverse community development lending and investment activity in one distinct business unit. The business, now called Citi Community Capital (CCC), was launched in 2000.  In 2007, CCC merged with the Affordable Housing unit of the Municipal Securities Division which made available an even wider array of financial products that can be structured to fit our clients’ objectives.

CCC helps community development financial institutions, real estate developers, national intermediaries and non-profit organizations achieve their goals through a broad, integrated platform of debt and equity offerings.  Within CCC is a dedicated investment team that specializes in renewable energy, New Markets, and other community development oriented investing.  For more information, please visit www.citi.com/citigroup/citizen/community or contact Danielle Romero-Apsilos at 212-816-2264.

Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Citi Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.  
 

Helio Micro Utility (Helio mU) 

Helio mU is a green power pioneer, selling solar energy without the upfront cost of panels.  The Company provides solar electricity to commercial, residential and not-for-profit customers with little or no initial capital outlay through its Green Energy Plan ^TM.  The Helio Green Energy Plan guarantees customers receive cost-effective and predictable energy pricing and maximum system performance over the life of the agreement. Helio mU is headquartered in Berkeley, CA.  For more information please visit: www.HeliomU.com and www.BuyPowerNotPanels.com or call toll free at 1.866.862.2806.