St. Thomas Aquinas Goes Solar with California Solar Electric

Ojai, CA, March 2010 – Let there be light – and luckily for us, there is plenty of it in Southern California, making solar power the most popular, environmentally-friendly alternative to utility generated electrical power. Ojai-based California Solar Electric has made it a point to help educate the community in the importance of energy efficiency.“We are dedicated to community outreach projects so our most recent install for St. Thomas Aquinas is special in a number of ways,“ states Don “Cam” Campbell, California Solar Electric’s CEO, “Working with schools, churches, synagogues, and non-profits, supports our mission of helping educate as many groups of people as possible about solar energy and stressing the importance of energy efficiency. Many people don’t understand the details of solar power, the reduction in electric bill costs, and the numerous incentives available to solar customers in the form of state rebates and solar tax credits. We are here to help answer questions as well as assisting in helping people reach their energy saving goals.”

Father Michael McFadden of St. Thomas Aquinas in Ojai decided to join the carbon reduction movement and chose California Solar Electric (with electrical work donated by Tony Demaria Electric) to install a 16.6 kilowatt system consisting of 72 photovoltaic panels. The system powers the Church and Rectory, “It minimizes our use of electricity and benefits our environment by helping keep the Earth green.” states Father Michael who blessed his new project on Sunday, February 28th.

Most people want to contribute in reducing their carbon footprint but still wonder how much solar will truly affect their electric bills – how much will they really save? As an example Tony Cunningham, who was instrumental in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s decision to go solar, has a 16-module ground system. He has reduced his electric bills from $145 to $25 per month. There are federal tax credits available as well as California Solar Initiative rebates which, when combined, can add up to a 45-50% savings on the solar system cost. As electrical companies, such as Southern California Edison, continue to increase power costs – solar power seems like the smart solution.

In addition to the St. Thomas Aquinas system, California Solar Electric has installed at Chabad of Santa Barbara (see video footage: /video-testimonials/ ) as well as Besant Hill, Thacher and Oak Grove Schools. They are also involved in various education and training programs for students aging from grade school to post high school age at-risk groups. California Solar Electric has installed hundreds of residential and commercial systems throughout Southern California including; Carpinteria, Montecito, Gaviota, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Lancaster, Palmdale, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and Kern counties.

California Solar Electric, Southern California’s premier solar installation company, is dedicated to providing high quality customer service and the latest most efficient solar electric technology on the market. They serve our community as a catalyst for a sustainable future with education, promotion and installation of clean, renewable power from the sun. California Solar Electric is the area’s Premier Dealer for SunPower Corporation. For additional information visit: www.californiasolarelectric.com or call 805.640.7903.