Jan 25 2010
SunWize’s solar installation division, SunWize Residential Power Systems, has launched its second city-wide solar challenge in the capital of Oregon, Salem. The Solar Challenges are organized by the company to spur a city or town for accomplishing a substantial renewable energy goal.
The goal of the second Solar Challenge is to add 75,000 watts of solar energy to the city’s power production within 75 days. The Salem Solar Challenge began on January 15, 2010 and will close on March 15, 2010. During the challenge period, the company is offering cash back to its customers in Salem. In addition, SunWize will provide $7,500 to Marion-Polk Food Share when the goal is reached. Emergency food assistance is provided by Marion-Polk Food Share to more than 6,000 families a month.
High-quality solar modules made by its business partner, SANYO, will be offered by SunWize. In October 2009, a silicon ingot and wafer production plant was opened by SANYO in Salem. SANYO modules utilize solar cells that are manufactured by using finished silicon wafers produced in the Salem plant.
The cash back amount is offered to each participant by SunWize during the challenge period. The incentive starts at $100 and will rise in increments of $10 with each additional participant. For example, if 40 homes buy the solar systems, each homeowner will receive a check for $500. For a 4.2 kW SunWize solar electric system, a homeowner participating in this program can reduce the total cost by over 70 percent by taking advantage of the current Energy Trust of Oregon incentives, the federal tax credit, and the state tax credit.
David Kaltsas, executive vice president at SunWize, said that the Salem city was chosen by the company because of the presence of its business partner SANYO and proximity to its Oregon office. He added that the company is looking for a repeat performance that it had achieved successfully in its first Solar Challenge in Corvallis.
Charles Hanasaki, president of SANYO’s Energy USA Solar Division, said the company is delighted to support the initiative of SunWize to bring solar energy to Salem residents.