Press Release

GoSolarMarin Agreement Includes Broad Discounts for All Marin County Residences, Businesses, Non-Profits

Volunteer Coalition Selects SPG Solar As Recommended Supplier

San Rafael - November 20, 2007 - GoSolarMarin today announced that its recommended supplier, SPG Solar of Novato, had agreed to provide its discounted pricing throughout Marin County to all homeowners, small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Lisa Max, who created the coalition, said that the SPG Solar had also agreed to provide its base pricing to a broader range of structures without surcharges than had been offered by other bidders.  GoSolarMarin selected SPG Solar after a rigorous RFP process that attracted 10 bidders.

“After a review of the responses, site visits and negotiations with four finalists,” she said, “we determined that SPG had offered the best combination of price, quality and capability.  A bonus is that SPG agreed to include all of Marin County as well as small businesses and homeowners.

“Frankly, when I began this project, I first asked just my neighbors,” she said, “but it kept growing.  Our negotiations have essentially lowered the price by more than 15 percent for solar installations for all of Marin County, for residents, for non-profits and for businesses.” 

Max said the negotiated price would be $7.94 per watt, significantly below the current “standard” rate of $9.32 per watt.  The pricing will be available to anyone in Marin County who signs a contract with SPG Solar by February 29, 2008. 

In order to qualify for some of the available California and/or local rebates, installation must be completed within one calendar year of the contract date. 

“Anyone in the County can now get that price without having to obtain competitive bids from 10 companies, as we did, or having to interview the companies, as we did.  And, we will continue to monitor the prices and the market to ensure that we are the best pricing model,” she said. 

For example, a friend of hers got an estimate for solar electric for his two-story home two weeks ago.    By waiting until the GoSolarMarin price was finalized, he saved $2929.00 on his (relatively small) 2.169 kilowatt system.  His was the first contract signed on Friday.  The “average” residential system in Marin County, about 4 kilowatts, should see a savings of about $5200.

 “What was particularly attractive to us was the price included installations for most multi-story structures and most solar panel structures,” Max said.  “Most companies charge add-ons for a flat roof or, for two or more stories, and for various different panels and inverters.”  SPG also agreed to include all of Marin, not just the narrow US 101 geographic corridor others specified, as well as businesses and non-profits.

Max said that the Request for Proposal review focused on a wide range of specifics, including price, quality of material and workmanship, references from completed installations, and the company’s proven ability to handle a large and diverse “group.” 

The RFP was constructed, analyzed, rated and finally judged by several volunteers from the group that attended a public meeting held October 1.  GoSolarMarin is an entirely volunteer coalition, with no paid staff.

“We are thrilled to have been selected by GoSolarMarin,” said Dan Thompson, President/CEO of SPG Solar.  “As a Marin County resident and business owner myself, I’m proud to provide significant discounts through this program and to support Marin’s economy through the development of green jobs.”

Max said that the “fact that SPG is a Marin County company which employs many local residents, which will require less travel for site surveys and installations and be an even greater benefit to the environment, is an added bonus.”  SPG employs 130 people in Marin County and has installed more than 1000 solar systems in California.

GoSolarMarin has been supported by a number of local organizations.  Among them are The Lincoln San Rafael Hill Neighborhood Association, the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, Sustainable San Rafael and Sustainable Marin, and MarinLink.

GoSolarMarin also received non-financial assistance from Marin County’s Sustainability Team, notably from Dawn Weisz and Dana Armanino.  Several community leaders have been particularly supportive, especially in Ross and Sausalito, as well as Judy Arnold, Marin County District 5 Councilwoman.

Max said, while she could now envision 1000 GoSolarMarin/SPG Solar installations in Marin, that the agreement sets no limits to the amount of homeowners or business-owners who can take advantage of the pricing.

More information about the program and to schedule a free site inspection may be obtained from SPG Solar (gosolarmarin@spgsolar.com or 415-883-SOLR).