SunWize launches second city-wide solar challenge

KINGSTON, USA: SunWize Residential Power Systems, the premier solar installation division of SunWize Technologies Inc., has initiated its second city-wide Solar Challenge in Salem, the capital of Oregon.

SunWize Solar Challenges catalyze an entire city or town toward achieving a significant renewable energy goal. The Salem Solar Challenge is aimed at adding 75,000 watts of clean solar energy to the city’s power production in 75 days. The challenge began on January 15 and will conclude on March 31, 2010.

To help generate interest, SunWize is offering cash back to Salem solar customers and a donation to the Marion-Polk Food Share, which provides emergency food assistance to over 6,000 families a month. SunWize will give $7,500 to the food bank when the goal is reached.

SunWize will be offering premium solar modules manufactured by its strategic business partner SANYO. In October 2009, SANYO opened its silicon ingot and wafer production plant in Salem. The finished silicon wafers made in Salem are used in manufacturing the solar cells used in SANYO modules.

For the duration of the Salem Solar Challenge, SunWize is offering cash back to each participant. The cash back amount starts at $100 and will increase in increments of $10 with each additional participant.1 For example, if 30 households sign-up for solar systems, each will receive a check for $400. Coupled with existing Energy Trust of Oregon incentives, the state tax credit, and the Federal tax credit, this program can reduce the total cost of a typical 4.2 kW SunWize solar electric system by over 70 percent.

“We chose Salem for our second Solar Challenge because of its proximity to our Oregon office and the local presence of our longtime partner SANYO,” said David Kaltsas, executive vice president at SunWize. “We look forward to replicating the success of our inaugural Solar Challenge in Corvallis to bring solar electric solutions to the residents of Salem.”

“We are pleased to support SunWize’s efforts in helping Salem go solar,” said Charles Hanasaki, president of SANYO’s Energy USA Solar Division. “Having recently established ourselves in Salem, we are excited to see more and more installations.”