groSolar, a national leader in solar power distribution and installation, today announced a new relationship with SOLON Corporation, a leading North American photovoltaic manufacturer. SOLON’s products and information will be on display in the groSolar booth at the upcoming Renewable Energy World Expo in Austin, Texas on February 23.

“We are pleased to bring SOLON’s modules to the US market, for our own residential and commercial installations, as well as through our nationwide network of dealers,” said groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe.

TORONTO, ON, Feb. 18, 2010 – Toronto-based Plan B Energy, a renewable energy company specializing in the planning, development, and management of large-scale rooftop solar power projects, today announces that it has joined forces with San Francisco-based MP2 Capital, a leading renewable energy financial services firm, to jointly develop, finance, own, and operate 10 megawatts of rooftop PV systems under Ontario’s feed-in-tariff program.

“This partnership is a direct reflection of our mutual commitment to advance rooftop solar PV projects in Ontario with real estate owners throughout the province,” says Plan B Energy’s CEO, Ali Lila.

“Not only does our partnership with MP2 Capital offer our customers the stable financial assurances they look for when considering new or unfamiliar business opportunities like rooftop solar, but also, MP2 Capital’s deep expertise in renewable energy development and financing will help us further demonstrate that doing business with Plan B Energy is a way for owners and landlords to use what they already have to generate a new, long-term stream of income within their real estate investment. With no upfront costs. And without any risk.”

Mark Lerdal, MP2 Capital’s CEO, adds “We believe that Ontario represents an attractive and exciting market for solar development.  MP2 Capital is pleased to partner with a leading player such as Plan B Energy whose track record of successful renewable energy development experience will lead the way for commercial and industrial real estate owners and landlords to quickly engage in Ontario’s greening economy, while providing a clean source of energy in the process.”

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About MP2 Capital, LLC
Founded in 2006, MP2 Capital works with various partners to develop, finance and operate solar projects throughout North America – selling the electricity produced to commercial, government and utility customers under Power Purchase Agreements and Feed-in Tariffs.  Based in San Francisco, the company owns and operates generating assets across the United States and Canada, allowing our customers to enjoy reliable, economical electricity without up-front or ongoing operating expenses and our investors to enjoy attractive, risk adjusted returns.  Learn more at www.mp2capital.com.

About Plan B Energy Inc.
Plan B Energy Inc. is a global renewable energy company specializing in the planning, development, and management of commercial and industrial rooftop solar power projects using solar photovoltaic technology with an emphasis on proven performance and availability. The company’s mission is to combine its passion, expertise, and business savvy with that of its stakeholders to deliver clean energy practically and profitably, with an enduring commitment to produce clean energy. Customers, stakeholders, and investors who are interested in learning more about Plan B Energy are encouraged to visit
www.plan-b-energy.com.

]]> http://www.ksefocus.com/plan-b-energy-and-mp2-capital-partner-to-advance-rooftop-solar-pv-projects-in-ontario/feed 0 http://www.ksefocus.com/grosolar-joins-leilani-munters-eco-dream-team-at-daytona http://www.ksefocus.com/grosolar-joins-leilani-munters-eco-dream-team-at-daytona#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:10:32 +0000 Diane Zeigler http://www.ksefocus.com/?p=1786

Daytona Beach, Fl. – When Leilani Münter gets behind the wheel, people watch.  But if she has her way at Daytona’s ARCA Series race on February 6th, they’ll also listen.  This is one driver who is using the platform of the raceway to educate fans about climate change, and the steps they can take in the race to save the planet.

Today, Münter ‘s ‘Eco Dream-Team’ of Daytona sponsors announced a list of initiatives they hope her fans will adopt to save on energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and move America toward a more sustainable future.

“If each of the more than 2.2 million fans expected to watch this ARCA race would take just one of the eight steps we recommend, they could collectively save more than $250 million dollars each year, and help avoid more than four million tons of carbon emissions over the next 10 years,” said Charlie Szoradi, CEO and founder of GREENandSAVE. “That’s like taking 67,000 cars off the road each year.”

The eight actions that Münter’s sponsorship team encourages fans to take are:

Pennsylvania-based GREENandSAVE, a national leader in green living and energy education, spearedheaded Münter’s Eco Dream-Team by securing supporting sponsorship from five other eco-friendly companies. The associate sponsors are NativeEnergy, groSolar, LED Saving Solutions, Home Efficiency Report, and Eco Academy.

Münter, rated among the top 10 female sports car drivers in the world by Sports Illustrated, will set out on the Daytona International Speedway in the first-ever fully eco-sponsored race car.  She has the cachet to garner sponsorship from top businesses in the US, but she is using her celebrity to support sustainable living initiatives and the collective mission of renewable energy companies.

“We took the lead to build Leilani’s Eco Dream-Team of sponsors, to support her in bringing an urgent message to the 75 million race car fans in America:  if you want to save money, start by saving the planet,” Szoradi said. “Leilani is passionate in educating people about how small lifestyle changes can have an enormous environmental impact. By making their homes perform more efficiently, people can save money on utility bills, and also confront climate change at the same time.”

While racing culture and stock car sponsorship is not commonly associated with environmental initiatives, Münter’s Eco Dream-Team sponsors are optimistic that her presence at Daytona will spark a dialogue for energy independence that will go far beyond the February 6th race.

“Leilani is an uncommon messenger for the planet, and we are very excited to join with her and her Eco Dream-Team”, said Tom Boucher, Founder and CEO, NativeEnergy, Inc.  “We built NativeEnergy in part by partnering with individuals and organizations who speak with authentic, passionate voices and who share their vision for a better, healthier world. Leilani is leading the way in educating the vibrant and growing community of racing fans. We’re pleased to support her mission.”

By sponsoring her at Daytona, Münter’s Eco Dream-Team hopes to encourage fans to embrace renewable technologies like solar power.

“With strong federal and state incentive programs and drastically reduced manufacturing costs, solar power actually saves people money, and that’s a critical message that people need to hear in this economy,” said Jeff Wolfe, founder of groSolar, a national solar installation and distribution company.  “She’s also helping people to recognize that reducing our carbon footprint is one of the most patriotic things we can do as Americans.  groSolar is proud to sponsor her efforts to make renewable energy a part of our national identity.”

Münter will drive a # 59 GREENandSAVE Dodge fielded by Mark Gibson Racing. Danica Patrick, noted Indy driver, will also be making her NASCAR debut in the race, making it one of the most anticipated races of the year.

About Leilani Münter
Leilani Münter started racing cars in 2001 and in 2004 she gained the attention of the racing world when she qualified 4th and finished 7th at Texas Motor Speedway in the ROMCO Super Late Model Series. Texas would turn out to be one of Münter’s favorite tracks. She returned to Texas Motor Speedway in 2006 and set a new record when she finished 4th, the highest finish for a female driver in the history of the racetrack. In 2007 she made the move to in the Indy Pro Series, the development league of IndyCar, when she qualified 5th for her debut at Kentucky Motor Speedway. Leilani was running in the top six when a multi car accident took her out of the race. Leilani turned the 5th quickest lap of the race with a speed of 192.399 mph.

Leilani is also a biology graduate and a long time vegetarian and eco activist, and hopes her efforts will encourage racing sanctioning bodies to increase their environmental initiatives with expanded recycling programs and the use of alternative fuels. For more information visit www.leilanimunter.com and her eco site www.carbonfreegirl.com.

About Primary Sponsor GREENandSAVE
Headquartered in Greater Philadelphia, PA, GREENandSAVE has a 20 year legacy in the ‘Green’ energy saving market. The whole organization is dedicated to helping Americans grow stronger, maintain our coveted high standard of living, and serve as better stewards of the environment. The company drives initiatives that range from saving money for home and business owners to continuing education and re-training for new careers and green economy. Plus, through its divisions GREENandSAVE provides specialized energy and auditing services and high performance retrofits like LED lighting. For more information visit www.GREENandSAVE.com.

About groSolar
groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. Founded in 1998, groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned distributor in the solar industry, and is the fourth-largest installation company in North America. The company has offices and warehouses across the US, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Canadian Solar, Motech, Heliodyne, SMA, Fronius, and UniRac into simple solar energy solutions for customers that generate clean, reliable energy for decades. groSolar is a mission-driven company dedicated to providing high quality solar energy solutions and whole energy appreciation. groSolar’s venture capital investors include NGP Energy Technology Partners, SJF Ventures, and Calvert Social Investment Fund. Learn more at www.groSolar.com or call 800.374.4494.

About NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy is a climate solutions pioneer and recognized leader in the US carbon market, offering services that reduce carbon pollution and other greenhouse gas emissions to fight global warming. NativeEnergy uses its distinctive “help build” model to support the construction of new carbon reduction projects. By helping finance construction of Native American, family farm, and community-based clean technology projects, our customers help communities in need build sustainable economies. NativeEnergy is a founding member and Co-Chair of the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance.  For more information see www.nativeenergy.com.

Burlington, Vt. – For many people, “going green” begins with buying locally-grown and organic foods. City Market, Burlington’s only community-owned grocery store, announced today plans to install a solar power system on its roof in downtown Burlington, with the help of VT-based installer groSolar to further its commitment to energy efficiency and green building practices

The 31 kilowatt system, from 136 solar panels, will cover a small percentage of the 16,000 square-foot building’s overall power load, but City Market was attracted to the project as much for financial reasons as for its commitment to sustainable business practices. Installation is planned for February.

“Once we looked at the numbers and realized we’ll recoup our up-front costs in less than five years, we knew this investment would bring a strong financial return for our members,” said Clem Nilan, General Manager of City Market. “But this is a business decision that also has tangible social and environmental benefits. One of the central tenets of our mission is to make a difference in the lives of consumers. By reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the local green economy with groSolar, we know we’re doing something worthwhile for the community as well.”

White River Junction-based groSolar, now the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned solar distribution company in the nation, will also be offering free monthly “Solar Made Simple” seminars at City Market on February 23, March 23 and April 22, to help educate local residents and business owners about the new economics of solar power. Seminar schedules will be promoted to co-op members and shoppers in the store and through City Market’s print and email newsletters.

“We’re excited that a high-profile shopping destination like City Market has made this commitment to a clean-energy future,” said groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe. “The combination of drastically reduced prices and strong government incentives made this project a smart move for City Market. We’re optimistic because we see many more homeowners and businesses taking advantage of the opportunity solar power offers for long-term energy security, financial savings and protection of our most precious resource: our planet.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Spring 2010 when the system is fully functional.

#    #    #
About groSolar
groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. Founded in 1998, groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned installation and distribution company in the solar industry. The company has offices and warehouses across the US, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Canadian Solar, Motech, Heliodyne, SMA, Fronius, and UniRac into simple solar energy solutions for customers that generate clean, reliable energy for decades. groSolar is a mission-driven company dedicated to providing high quality solar energy solutions and whole energy appreciation. groSolar’s venture capital investors include NGP Energy Technology Partners, SJF Ventures, and Calvert Social Investment Fund. Learn more at groSolar.com  or call 800.374.4494.

About City Market
City Market, Onion River Co-op is a consumer cooperative, with over 5,000 member owners, selling wholesome food and other products while building a vibrant, empowered community and a healthier world, all in a sustainable manner. Located in downtown Burlington, Vermont, City Market provides a large selection of local, natural and conventional foods, and 1,600 Vermont-made products. Visit City Market, Onion River Co-op online at www.CityMarket.coop or call 802-861-9700.

Washington, DC – Jeff Wolfe, CEO of groSolar, will testify before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on January 29, 2010.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy, will convene a joint hearing to examine the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs by expanding the use of solar energy.

“I’m honored to be invited to speak on the opportunity that solar presents us today, and the potential this sector has in creating high-paying, in-demand green jobs for America.  Solar deployment has enormous potential to be a driver for the US economy, and it’s critical that we seize this opportunity immediately and lead the way to a true economic recovery,” said Wolfe. “We need to get people back to work. Each megawatt of solar power capacity supports 25 jobs, with eight of these jobs in system design, distribution, installation, and services created where the systems are installed.”

Increasingly attractive state and federal tax advantages now offset a significant percentage of the cost of both residential and commercial solar systems. “We need to safeguard and strengthen these incentives and keep our energy dollars circulating in our own economy. By investing in solar and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels, we’ll create the jobs that are going to lead us out of this recession and the global environmental crisis that confronts us.” Wolfe said.

Wolfe founded groSolar in 1988 with his wife Dori, and the company is now the largest 100 percent domestically-owned solar distribution company in the nation. groSolar installs solar electric and hot water systems for large commercial projects such as Fenway Park, in Boston, and residential systems for thousands of homeowners through a combination of staff installers and a network of independent dealers.

Wolfe is now a frequently sought-after speaker about the solar industry and green jobs in particular.  This is the second time he has been invited to DC to speak with government officials. In February of 2009, Wolfe was invited to the White House for President Obama’s unveiling of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board. Wolfe joined approximately 60 other business leaders in the East Room to witness the installation of the 15-member board, led by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volker, which helped guide the economic stimulus package.

#    #    #
About groSolar
groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. Founded in 1998, groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned installation and distribution company in the solar industry. The company has offices and warehouses across the US, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Canadian Solar, Motech, Heliodyne, SMA, Fronius, and UniRac into simple solar energy solutions for customers that generate clean, reliable energy for decades. groSolar is a mission-driven company dedicated to providing high quality solar energy solutions and whole energy appreciation. groSolar’s venture capital investors include NGP Energy Technology Partners, SJF Ventures, and Calvert Social Investment Fund. Learn more at groSolar.com  or call 800.374.4494.

For Immediate Release: January 22, 2010

Chelsea Green Publishing Partners with Strategic Communications Firm

Sees grassroots organizing as the future of small publishing

White River Jct./Montpelier Vt. (January 22, 2010) — Vermont-based Chelsea Green Publishing said today it would promote its books and authors in new ways to align with emerging trends in publishing.

The firm announced an innovative partnership with Kimbell Sherman Ellis, LLP (KSE), a strategic communications firm with offices in Montpelier, VT, Cambridge, MA and Washington, D.C.

The goal of the partnership is to redesign the way books are publicized and sold in the digital era.

“Publishing is changing – fast,” said Margo Baldwin, President and Publisher of Chelsea Green. “With the death of traditional book reviews and the simultaneous expansion of a sense of community in different arenas, we aim to provide more than just books. Our authors are experts in their field and sought after commentators. We increasingly work with authors to promote their content on a variety of platforms and that includes the web, blogs and video. KSE also brings us campaign tools that help build communities around book projects.”

KSE most recently managed campaign communications for the first-in-the-nation successful legislative same-sex marriage campaign in Vermont in 2009.

“KSE has always looked for new and innovative ways to get the job done. We’re really excited about this partnership because it allows us to be on the forefront of a world that is changing daily,” said KSE Partner Kevin Ellis. “We want to take what we do best and apply it to publishing.”

Together with the staff at Chelsea Green, KSE will design an integrated communications plan pulling from grassroots politics, marketing and public relations backgrounds. The plan will use Chelsea Green’s unique position and history within distinct communities, from sustainability to politics to agriculture combined with KSE’s approach to old and new media to reshape how content, an “author expert” and their book make an impact on the world.

“As new media grows, it is critical that we develop author-specific campaigns within a digital strategy that evolves with the changing landscape. We intend to create a new model of informing people about our books and authors and we intend to use the latest digital tools to do it,” said Baldwin.

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About Chelsea Green

For 25 years, Chelsea Green has been the publishing leader for books on the politics and practice of sustainable living. We are a founding member of the Green Press Initiative and have been printing books on recycled paper since 1985, when our first list of books appeared. We lead the industry both in terms of content—foundational books on renewable energy, green building, organic agriculture, eco-cuisine, and ethical business—and in terms of environmental practice, printing 95 percent of our books on recycled paper with a minimum 30 percent post-consumer waste and aiming for 100 percent whenever possible. This approach is a perfect example of what is called a “triple bottom line” practice, one that benefits people, planet, and profit, and the emerging new model for sustainable business in the 21st century.

The projects are the result of more than two years of planning and coordination by Denver-based renewable energy developer Oak Leaf Energy Partners with the School District and the Denver Green Print Council. The projects will be owned and operated by MP2 Capital, a leading developer, financier and operator of solar projects throughout North America. MP2 will then sell the electricity produced to the district under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The School Board’s approval will elevate Denver as a leader in school-based sustainability initiatives, both in Colorado and nationally. The systems will be designed and built by Boulder-based Namasté Solar.

The projects will be completed on several sites throughout the district. The locations were selected by the optimal solar and roof qualities of the schools. The 16 systems will total approximately 1.8 megawatts (MW) of capacity and generate approximately 44 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean solar electricity over the course of the 20-year PPA. The systems are expected be completed by November 2010, with the first project coming on-line in March 2010.

In addition to providing clean electricity, the projects also include an extensive educational curriculum for the host schools. Created by Namasté Solar, and taught by local teachers, the program will concentrate on the science and economics of photovoltaic energy generation.

“This initiative is an exciting milestone for the district and we look forward to working with Oak Leaf Energy Partners, Namasté Solar, and MP2 Capital,” said DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg. “We are very excited about the sustainability impact, energy savings and educational benefits generated by this program.”

“Projects that deliver solar electricity to schools represent some of the most rewarding projects that we do,” said Mark Lerdal, chief executive officer of MP2 Capital.
“It is pretty special to have an opportunity to improve the environment, lower the electricity bill for the school district and provide a positive influence for children.”

“We enlisted Namasté Solar as our partner as they are not only the best-of-breed integrator in Colorado, they truly believe and embrace the educational and social component of their work,” said Oak Leaf Managing Partner John Hereford. “The fact that the district really embraced this aspect of our proposal has made this an ideal partnership.”

The host schools are:

•    Martin Luther King Middle School
•    Place Middle School
•    Montbello High School
•    Manual High School
•    Rachel B. Noel Middle School
•    Green Valley Ranch Elementary School
•    Greenwood Elementary School
•    Thomas Jefferson High School
•    Waller Elementary School
•    East High School
•    Grant Ranch Elementary School
•    Lowry Elementary School
•    Bruce Randolph Middle School
•    South High School
•    Fallis Elementary School
•    Green Valley Ranch High School.

About MP2 Capital
MP2 Capital, LLC develops, finances and invests in distributed generation and small-scale utility solar projects throughout North America. The firm was founded in 2006 in response to the growing demand for clean, renewable sources of energy. MP2 Capital sells the electricity produced by its’ projects to commercial, government and utility customers under Power Purchase Agreements and Feed-in Tariffs, providing customers with reliable and cost-efficient electricity without any up-front costs or ongoing operating expenses. The firm is based in San Francisco, California.  www.mp2capital.com

About Oak Leaf Energy Partners
Oak Leaf Energy Partners is a renewable energy development firm that assists utilities and municipalities in meeting their compliance goals. Since its founding in 2005, Oak Leaf has emerged as one of the largest and most active renewable energy developers in the Rocky Mountain West and is currently developing projects in Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Hawaii.  www.oakleafep.com

“Working together is not for the faint of heart.” That’s Jeff Wolfe’s reply when asked what it’s like to run a company with one’s spouse. “We defi nitely had different conceptions of what the business was; where it was going; how big it should be; what constitutes success,” he says.

“During our fi rst full year of operation, we did solar on fi ve homes. Dori thought that was fantastic; I said, ‘Well, it’s a nice thing, but that doesn’t solve any problems.’” “Picture my vision,” says his wife and business partner, Dori Wolfe. “One roof at a time, isn’t that good? In the meantime, we were farming sheep out in the pasture, gardening, and raising kids.” The Wolfes might have had confl icting approaches, but their joint vision of the world’s future potential is clear from the moment they speak. It sparked the advent of groSolar, the White River Junction company they founded in 1998, now the largest 100 percent U.S.–owned North American distribution company in the solar industry, with offi ces and warehouses across the continent. Read full article

“Vermont Couple Attends Copenhagen Climate Change Summit,” by Adam Sullivan