1BOG Teams with groSolar to Duplicate San Francisco Success

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 13, 2009) - 1BOG, the largest residential solar community purchasing group in the U.S., is bringing its successful program to San Diego.

Also known as One Block Off the Grid, 1BOG organizes groups of homeowners - or businesses - interested in purchasing solar power and then negotiates group discounts with solar installers. The collective approach results in better prices and better terms of service for homeowners and businesses. 1BOG only teams up with established solar installers ensuring high quality service, at a lower price.

1BOG enlisted groSolar, a nationally-recognized solar installer whose prices and service impress longtime advocates of the technology. groSolar also offers financing options through California-based SunRun, which allows homeowners to install the entire system for as little as $1,000 down.

“The combination of gro’s spectacular pricing and their national reach made the decision to select them in San Diego very easy,” said Dave Llorens, 1BOG co-founder and General Manager. “We’ve always admired them and have high hopes for the success of this program.”

“Teaming with 1BOG makes solar more affordable than ever and their grassroots approach is a great success,” said groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe. “1BOG and groSolar share the same goal: to get solar on as many roofs as possible, as fast as possible.”

1BOG uses tools of political campaigns like e-mail, lawn signs, door hangers, house parties and community organizing to find people that are interested in purchasing solar and to educate people about solar power for their home or business. One of the most common responses canvassers encounter is the perception that putting solar panels on a roof is a complicated process.

“The average solar power installation is less expensive and intrusive than putting new windows in your house,” said Wolfe. “People are realizing that solar power is one of the easiest ways to create long term energy security, while also protecting the environment. With energy prices constantly going up, it just makes sense.”

“The 1BOG model is a brilliant way to get more solar on more homes. They made the process easier and cheaper. Everything I needed to know was clearly explained and they stayed involved throughout the process. There is no question that I would not have moved so expeditiously to get solar on my house without 1BOG. I wholeheartedly recommend them. GO SOLAR!” - Susan, San Francisco

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About One Block Off the Grid
1BOG is a community-based initiative – the largest in the country – focused on driving widespread adoption of renewable energy and sustainable solutions through education, community building and collective barganing programs. San Francisco-based 1BOG was founded in June 2008 and has quickly demonstrated the power of community purchasing for solar energy. For more information please visit http://www.1BOG.org or specific program sites for San Diego or San Francisco.

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 distribution company in the solar industry. The company has offices and warehouses across the continent, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, CO, MT, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Evergreen Solar, PanelClaw, 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 <http://grosolar.com> or call 800.374.4494.