Two companies strike deal to deliver easy and affordable installation of solar-powered hot water heating systems

 

Vergennes and White River Junction, VT (April 28, 2010) –  Sunward, manufacturer of the world’s first "plug and play" solar hot water system, and groSolar, one of the largest installers of solar hot water and solar photo-voltaic systems in the country, have announced a partnership that will make groSolar a certified vendor and installer of the Sunward solar hot water system.

 

Available directly from the company (www.GoSunward.com) or through certified partners, the Sunward system installs quickly, works in any climate and cuts household energy bills by up to $800 per year.  By teaming with groSolar, Sunward now offers homeowners a seamless, professional installation option throughout the New England and mid-Atlantic states, as well as parts of California.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) noted the partnership between the two Vermont companies is an important advance for expanding adoption of residential solar nationwide.  “Even as a cold-weather state, Vermont, like the rest of the nation, has huge potential to increase our use of solar energy, including solar water heating systems," said Sanders. "What many homeowners may not know, however, is that in addition to being clean, solar water heating systems are very cost-effective. We need to expand the use of solar in Vermont and across the United States, and that is why I have introduced legislation in the Senate to provide incentives for more than ten million new solar energy systems.”

The complete Sunward Solar Hot Water System fully installed by groSolar starts at $9,846 before federal tax incentives, or $6,892 after the federal tax credit, which is available to any U.S. taxpayer. State & utility incentives can lower the final cost below $5,000. Financing is available.

“In order for renewable energy to emerge as a mainstream alternative for homeowners, the equipment needs to be easy to install, reliable, make financial sense and be backed by manufacturers and contractors who stand behind their products.” said Joe Perrotto, Sunward President. “Through our relationship with groSolar, homeowners can effortlessly and affordably convert to solar-powered hot water in as little as a single day and have two companies with a reputation for providing extraordinary customer support standing behind them.”

 

Designed to work in any climate, the ultra-efficient Sunward Solar Hot Water System captures the sun’s heat through roof or ground-mounted solar collectors.  This heat is then transferred and stored in a solar storage tank that is connected to the existing home hot water supply.  The Sunward system does not replace the existing home hot water heating system, but instead is designed to work in conjunction with any type of existing hot water system.

“We’ve long maintained that solar hot water manufacturers need to offer pre-engineered systems that simplify installation and reduce labor costs. Sunward’s package significantly reduces the total installed cost of a solar hot water system, and that’s great news for homeowners,” said groSolar Chief Executive Officer Jeff Wolfe. “We’re proud to team with a company that shares groSolar’s values and vision for the future.” 

Wolfe and Perroto both noted the partnership is good news for the green jobs industry in Vermont. “This collaboration will strengthen Vermont's position as an emerging national leader in creating green jobs for America,” said Wolfe. “These are the types of manufacturing jobs we really want to see grow in Vermont,” said Perrotto. “It’s very satisfying to see solar hot water collectors rolling out of our assembly facility in Winooski.”

  

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 residential 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 Zep Solar, Canadian Solar, Solon, Sunward, Enphase, 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 Sunward

Sunward, located in Vergennes, Vermont, is an affiliate of Country Home Products, the same company that manufactures and sells the DR® Power Equipment and Neuton® Battery Powered Lawnmower brands of outdoor power equipment. Country Home Products brings 25 years of innovative products, customer service, and made-in-the-USA manufacturing experience to the Sunward brand. For more information on Sunward products, please visit www.GoSunward.com.