Solar Energy: The Ripple Effect

In Rancho Santa Margarita, entire blocks of neighbors are going solar collectively. Solar power has become contagious and homeowners who have already gone solar should be given much of the credit.

“Solar is the wave of the future with [the cost of] electricity skyrocketing,” said Patty Levin of Coto de Caza, who has referred four of her neighbors. In Rancho Santa Margarita the ripple effect has increased solar sales by word-of-mouth and social interactions.

According to a Yale and New York University study, residents in a certain community are more likely to install a solar system if systems have already been installed in the area. Ten additional installations in a given zip code increased the probability of adoption by 7.8 percent.

Sullivan Solar Power, a leading Southern California renewable energy company, has installed over 141,000 watts of solar capacity in Rancho Santa Margarita since February of this year.

“Sullivan Solar Power’s vision is to create strong solar communities,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “By doing so not only are we reducing our carbon footprint, but we are bringing communities together to change the way Rancho Santa Margarita generates electricity.”

Sullivan Solar Power is the administrator of the Orange County Solar Program, a countywide initiative that allows property owners to go solar for no money out-of-pocket and receive up to $1,500 cash back. The program is modeled to provide the largest incentives to early adopters, and the incentive amount will drop as more capacity is installed. The program is available to 500 participants, and Sullivan states that they has been overwhelming interest.

“With the cost of solar down, utility rates for electricity on the rise, and financial incentives for solar customers running out, the time to go solar couldn’t be better,” said Sullivan, “We are providing homeowners the opportunity to get paid to go solar and save money. How does that sound for a stimulus program?”

A free educational solar 101 luncheon will take place Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m. at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center at 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. The solar workshop will cover solar technology and advancements, owning and leasing options, what to look for in a solar contractor, available incentives and details on the Orange County Solar Program. To RSVP, call 1.800.SULLIVAN. For more information about the Orange County Solar Program, visit www.OCSolarProgram.com.

About Sullivan Solar Power

Sullivan Solar Power is a turnkey solar system provider that delivers solar electric projects from concept to completion with offices in the Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego. The company has installed more than 18 million watts of solar power ranging from residential to large commercial and municipal systems. Sullivan Solar Power has a longstanding A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed since its founding in 2004. The firm has been named one of the nation’s fastest growing energy companies by Inc. Magazine and services clients throughout Southern California. Regardless of project size and scope, Sullivan is committed to delivering the best products provided by the most qualified professionals to every customer. Visit sullivansolarpower.com for more information.