Andalay Solar, Inc. (OTCQB:WEST), a leading manufacturer of integrated solar power systems, proudly announced that its panels are now being used for a solar initiative pioneered by DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) in conjunction with Washington, D.C.-based contractors, including WDC Solar, Inc.
Mark Davis, CEO of WDC Solar, began working with the DCSEU in 2012 to convert houses in low-income communities in Washington, D.C. to solar energy. As housing prices in the nation's capital continue to skyrocket, this initiative is designed to ensure that income-qualified residents have access to renewable energy technology that would otherwise be too costly for them to install on their own. With this new partnership, these residents should now be able to reap the environmental benefits of solar as well as decrease their utility bills. Moreover, this program opens up new "green collar" job opportunities for District residents; job training is offered to those participants who wish to join the solar workforce.
"Working with local D.C. contractors, the DCSEU has installed over 130 PV systems on single-family homes at no cost to homeowners, with an average estimated savings of 3,412 kWh annually per installation," explains George L. Nichols, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the DCSEU. "The DCSEU is proud to offer this program to income-qualified residents who would not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from renewable energy technology and the benefits it offers."
WDC Solar expects to install systems for 30 additional homeowners before September 2014. These systems will feature Andalay's innovative plug-and-play technology that seamlessly integrates racking, wiring, and grounding into the solar panels. As a result, the systems can be assembled quickly and safely, compared to ordinary solar installs, and are expected to save residents from long-term operations and maintenance costs.
"I find that there are three primary advantages to installing the Andalay System," says Mark Davis, CEO of WDC Solar. "For one, having fewer parts means less trips up and down the ladder for our installers. Second, micro-inverters being attached to the panels cut installation time while producing more energy. Lastly, there is less waste—we notice that we have less trash at the end of the day, which means a cleaner environment."
"We are very excited about this project to serve as a catalyst to enable solar adoption among income-qualified residents," says Steven Chan, CEO of Andalay Solar. "We believe that our easy-to-install systems are optimal for a relatively new-to-solar installer workforce to quickly learn how to install solar systems. Given that Andalay's fully integrated solar system can save up to 50% of labor time and provide longer term reliability on wire management, this will help make solar for housing much more affordable for D.C. residents who participate in the program."
