Mitsubishi Electric employee volunteers from its Cypress, Calif. headquarters, and students from California State University Long Beach’s Disabled Student Services joined forces to install a donated solar electric Diamond Kit system on the roof of a North Long Beach home with the non-profit GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles. Mitsubishi Electric US Inc., a leading manufacturer of solar modules and other premier electronics, sponsored the installation of the 1.8-kW Diamond Kit, a bundled solar electric system incorporating equipment donated by Mitsubishi Electric, SolarEdge Technologies, and Orion Solar Racking.
The system is expected to produce 100,900 kWh (AC), which would save the homeowner more than $16,800 over the 30-year life of the system. The clean power generated by the system is expected to prevent more than 53 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions that would come from burning 6,000 gallons of gasoline.
Gina Heng, vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi Electric’s Photovoltaic Division, said, “We carefully designed the Diamond Kit System, selecting top quality components that offer homeowners a trusted solution for their energy needs. We appreciate the generosity expressed by SolarEdge Technologies and Orion Racking by contributing their products to this project to benefit a family in need.”
GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that works with volunteers to install solar electric systems for low-income families, led the installation, providing valuable hands-on training and education in renewable energy for the student volunteers. Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, whose mission is to help youth with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society, provided a grant to GRID Alternatives to support their training efforts.
“By volunteering on this project I became more informed about the positive impact of distributed renewable energy for homeowners,” said student volunteer, Anthony Rodriguez. “After spending a day with Mitsubishi Electric and GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles I would definitely be interested in volunteering on future installations and spreading awareness of the benefits of solar energy.”
“Our support of GRID Alternatives offers a great opportunity to expose students with disabilities to careers in science, technology and renewable energy in line with our efforts to empower youth with disabilities to lead productive lives,” added Kevin Webb, director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. “In addition, students are helping to empower others by being the providers, rather than the recipients, of service in their community.”
“Thanks to the students from Cal State Long Beach and volunteers from Mitsubishi Electric, this new donated solar electric system is expected to cover 86 percent of our family’s electricity needs and reduce our impact on the environment,” said homeowner, Irma Ulloa. “The money we will save on our utility bills can now go to supporting my daughter’s college education.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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