PRESS RELEASE

Local Company Acquires Stockton Solar Company

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.  – February 9, 2012 – A large Sacramento solar company has acquired a top Stockton solar company and plans to expand services in Northern California and product distribution nationally.

Aztec Solar, Inc. recently acquired Solahart Services of Stockton California. Aztec Solar, a Sacramento based residential and commercial solar company, is excited about acquiring Solahart’s regional and national solar customers. Solahart provides solar installation and repair as well as solar water heating products.  

The president of Aztec Solar, Ed Murray, is thrilled about the acquisition and the expansion of his company’s customer base and service territory because he believes this product is one of the best solutions for residential Solar Water Heating (SWH). “A key objective of bringing Solahart Services on board with us is to meet the service needs of their customers while expanding the Solahart distribution channels nationally to enable explosive growth of solar heating industries in the United States,” said Murray.

The history between Murray and Solahart president, Terry Bart, is long-standing. Both are pioneers in the Solar Industry and committed to providing the best solar options for their customers throughout the economic shifts of our economy. Bart expresses his trust in Aztec Solar because of our 30 years of solar water heating expertise, the quality of our certified technicians that are full time Aztec employees and our winning customer service. “Customer service has kept us in business for over 30 years”, states Murray, and he hopes that it will keep him in business for 30 more.

Murray brings 35 years of experience as an expert in SWH and solar PV solutions. His company, Aztec Solar, has been installing solar heating and cooling systems for commercial and residential customers throughout California for 30+ years.

About Aztec Solar, Inc

Aztec Solar, Inc. is a solar design company specializing in residential and commercial solar water heating, solar electric and solar pool heating applications. Aztec Solar is an award winning green solar company that is committed to protecting the environment and providing quality products and excellent customer services throughout Northern California.  

For more information regarding this press release or any other solar related news, please contact Heather Dowling at Aztec Solar.

Media Contact
Heather Dowling, Marketing Manager
Aztec Solar, Inc
Tel: (916) 853-2700
heather@aztecsolar.com

The City of Sacramento was named the fasting growing solar city in the state. This statement issued from a report released today by the Environment California Research & Policy Center also showed that solar rooftop installations tripled in Sacramento over the last 3 years. "No other big city in the state has seen this kind of growth during the past two years," said Bernadette Del Chiaro, director of clean energy programs at Environment California, an environmental advocacy group.

This is great news coming at such a needed time for the city bountiful in sunshine. Shifting to more renewable energy is overall growth for Sacramento and its surrounding neighborhoods; it’s also right in-line with Sacramento’s general plan. President of Aztec Solar, Ed Murray, a devoted advocate for solar for over 30 years is not surprised by the report. He believes that Sacramento is the perfect solar city; with rising utility costs, committed citizens and financial rebates, it's the best time to start saving with solar energy.

Check out more about solar rebates

To read more

Melanie Turner, staff writer for the Business Journal highlights Aztec Solar Inc. acquisition of Stockton-based Solahart Sales and Services. “We were able to move in and just take care of his customers,” Murray said. In addition we will be able to distribute parts to solar contractors and plumbers for hot water and pool heating solar systems. Read More

Q: How did Aztec Solar get started?

A: Aztec Solar started 35 years ago. Ed Murray founded the business. He was an advocate for solar technology and worked with a company called Murray & Sun. From there he branched off and started Aztec Solar a solar electric and  solar heating and cooling installation company serving commercial and residential customers throughout Northern California for 30 years

Q: What kinds of services does Aztec Solar offer?

A: We offer solar water heating, solar electric and solar pool heating solutions to homeowners. Solar water heating is a great technology and it's going to reduce your natural gas or your water electric heating bill. Natural gas uses up to about 40% of your cost in heating water. So, with a simple investment that is now covered with 50% incentives through the California Solar Initiative and through a federal tax credit, you can install a new water heating system in your home for under $4,000.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about these programs and the financial incentives that they offer?

A: Sure, installing a solar water heating system is a simple one day installation. Currently, there is a rebate program whether you’re with SMUD or PG&E. They both offer a cash rebate that we extend directly to the customer and in addition to that you have a tax write off of 30% of the installed system cost. Aztec solar wants to help homeowners become more energy efficient and achieve independence in their energy solutions, so we’re offering $800 off a solar energy system that's good through February 29, 2012.

Q: Aside from the big cost savings benefits, are there any other advantages of going solar?

A: Yes, when you support local businesses, you help create more jobs, which is great for the community. You're helping the future of our planet, which is great for our children and our grandchildren. Ultimately, you’re saving in your pocket book every month.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about the solar electric program?

A: Solar electric technology is going to reduce the electric portion of your bill and it's a good idea to install all year around. It’s an especially good time to install solar electric when you're using your heater a lot, when you have a lot of guests in the home and you’re using more appliances. There are financial incentives available right now and Aztec Solar has a special lease program that can get you into a brand-new system with no money down.

Ed Murray of Aztec Solar Elected to SEIA Board of Directors

Promotion of solar water-heating technology to be a primary goal of his tenure

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.  – December 7, 2011 – Ed Murray, President of Aztec Solar, Inc recently accepted a Board of Directors seat with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Murray has identified increased awareness of and support for commercial and residential solar water heating (SWH) technology as his goal for SEIA in 2012. 

Murray brings to SEIA 35 years of experience as an expert in SWH and solar PV solutions. His company, Aztec Solar, has been installing solar PV and solar heating and cooling systems for commercial and residential customers throughout California for 30+ years. Aztec Solar puts particular emphasis on SWH technology, and has won large solar thermal integration contracts with University of California San Diego, River City High School (Sacramento, Calif.) and Houweling’s Nursery (Oxnard, Calif.)

“My key objective through my new role within SEIA is to enable the explosive growth of the U.S. solar heating and cooling industries,” said Murray. “Ideally, 2012 will see massive growth in these industries, as the solar PV market has experienced in recent years.”   

Cultivating more widespread adoption of SWH and cooling technologies is challenging due to widespread lack of awareness of their benefits. However, thanks to new SWH incentives, and generous rebates and tax credits, these technologies are now garnering more attention. Aside from considerable financial benefits, solar heating and cooling also offer important environmental benefits by greatly reducing the site-generated greenhouse gases emitted by businesses and homes.  

“I believe that solar water heating should be at the forefront of consumers and business owners’ minds, primarily as a way to reduce energy costs, but also to protect natural resources,” said Murray. Rhone Resch, SEIA President and CEO, supports Murray’s focus on increasing awareness of SWH, and is eager for Murray to join the SEIA board.

About Aztec Solar, Inc

Aztec Solar, Inc is a solar design company specializing in residential and commercial solar water heating, solar electric and solar pool heating applications; lead by our commitment to the environment, we bring quality products and award-winning customer satisfaction throughout Northern California.

Media Contact
Heather Dowling, Marketing Manager
Aztec Solar, Inc
Tel: (916) 853-2700
heather@aztecsolar.com

Video of Fracking

http://www.solarnovus.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3915:case-study-rebuilding-a-california-home-with-solar&catid=77:case-studies-and-solar-solutions&Itemid=440

Cheaper Solar Panels

Solar Water Heating for Propane Users is the Most Affordable Solar Panel

A NEW rebate program helps homeowners save big with solar replacement for your propane tank. Aztec Solar has been installing Solar Water Heating Systems in the Sacramento area for over 30 years.  In fact, President Ed Murray has been installing solar for so long he is considered an expert in the industry. Ed recently offered his expertise to CALSEIA (California Solar Energy Industry Association) addressing the urgency for a Solar Propane rebate program. Upon his recommendations the solar rebate program for solar water heating has rolled out for propane homes.

Aztec Solar wants to share our experience with you; we are excited to offer a rebate program that will bring you immediate savings. If you are a homeowner that heats your water with propane, you could save upwards of $13,000* over the next 25 year lifespan of your solar system. Image what you could do with money saved just from heating your water.

Here are some facts about Solar Water Heating and how you can benefit from this time-tested technology.

1.      Solar Water Heating (also called solar thermal) is the single fastest way to cut your propane expense.

2.      Propane prices are anticipated to continue to increase.

3.      Aztec Solar Water Heating Systems are between 60-75% efficient.  That equates to about $450-550 in savings for propane homeowners/year.

4.      The NEW rebate and the current cost of propane will allow solar to pay for itself in about 6-7 years. 

5.      Aztec installs only the highest quality systems and has been in business for over 30 years.

Stop paying TOO MUCH to heat your water.  Let the SUN DO IT!
INSTALL BY DECEMBER 20^th

TO RECEIVE YOUR 2011 TAX CREDIT

*According to the average annual propane expense of $489/year

        Think of some of the benefits of solar leasing:

Solar with affordable payment options

System Performance Guarantee

Utility bill savings today and in the future

Worry-free maintenance and monitoring

Insurance and system warranty

Why Lease? Leasing eliminates the burden of ownership by covering all installation and equipment servicing costs, warranties, and guarantees an annual energy generation for the entire term of the lease. All leases come with a Performance Guarantee which promises that if the system does not produce the minimum amount of kilowatts (power) predicted; we will pay you for the difference. And if your system produces more kilowatts than promised, the power is yours at no additional cost.

Your solar installation is monitored and therefore ensured to work properly by sending the system's power production data on the internet using our Smart Monitoring System. This is how we guarantee the system's performance at no charge to the homeowner.

Homeowners who lease enjoy all the benefits of solar with the added comfort of a money-back Power Production Guarantee, full system insurance and warranty, and less money out of pocket when compared to purchasing. With little-to-no down payment options, solar leasing offers affordable payment options to free up household operating capital for other needs.

Contact Aztec Solar today for a no obligation free estimate. Our energy experts will provide you with a detailed proposal showing you the best solar system to meet your power needs and your financial goals.

For Immediate Release

October 17, 2011

Majority of Americans See Benefits of Solar Water Heating, Feel Growth of Solar Water Heating Industry Creates Jobs and Deserves Government Support

New national poll shows positive perception of solar water heating systems, need for more information about affordability and reliability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today released new national polling showing strong public support for solar water heating systems and the perception that solar water heating helps the economy and create jobs. The independent poll conducted by Gotham Research Group showed 74 percent of Americans agree that the solar water heating industry will produce jobs and help the U.S. economy.  Positive perceptions of solar water heating systems exceeded negative perceptions by more than 10 to 1 (48 percent to 4 percent). More broadly, solar energy is considered the energy source most deserving of U.S. government support.

Solar heating and cooling technologies capture the sun's heat to provide energy for water heating, pool heating, and space heating and cooling. These technologies, which can be used for residential, commercial and industrial applications, displace the use of electricity, natural gas, and in some regions, home heating fuel.

“This poll confirms what we’ve seen around the country. The solar water heating industry is creating stable, good-paying installation and manufacturing jobs and helping to put our economy back on track,” said Monique Hanis, SEIA spokesperson. “We also learned that while the public supports solar, the industry needs to continue educating customers on the benefits of these increasingly affordable and reliable energy solutions that reduce utility bills for thousands of homeowners.”

“The solar water heating sector is providing economic opportunities for small companies like ours from coast to coast to manufacture and market solar water heating equipment,” said Rex Gillespie, Director of Marketing at Caleffi North America Inc., a manufacturing company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  “We added several employees, nearly doubling our size since 2006 – that’s the kind of growth this economy needs.”

“Solar is an increasingly affordable and reliable energy source for homeowners and businesses,” said Gordon Handelsman, Chief Marketing Officer of EchoFirst, a manufacturer in Fremont, Calif. “Solar is rapidly becoming a mainstream energy solution for more and more homeowners and companies – solar systems come with complete and comprehensive warranties, yet typically require less maintenance than their furnace or air conditioning systems.”

Today, there are enough solar water heating systems installed in the U.S. to serve 1.5 million homes. In 2010, 35,464 solar water heating systems and 29,540 solar pool heating systems were installed, heating a total of more than 65,000 homes, businesses and pools, according to SEIA® and GTM Research’s U.S. Solar Market InsightTM: Year-in-Review 2010. The solar heating and cooling sector contributes to the U.S. solar industry’s role as a net global exporter, comprising 9 percent ($400 million) of the industry’s overall domestic value.

"Despite a down economy, 2011 is on schedule to be Heliodyne's highest grossing year ever since we began manufacturing 35 years ago,” said Michael Stough, spokesperson for Heliodyne, a manufacturer in Richmond, Calif. “Since then, thousands of solar water heating systems using our products have been installed in homes and businesses across the U.S. and have been operating for decades. It’s a true testament to the reliability of solar hot water technology."

“Dollar for dollar, solar water heating is the best value in solar,” said Ed Murray, president of Aztec Solar Inc., an installer company based in Rancho Cordova, Calif. “Homeowner systems generate most of a family’s hot water supply and we are seeing growth of large-scale commercial applications. Laundromats, cafeterias, dormitories and restaurants are beginning to catch on to the financial and environmental benefits of solar water heating.”

Key Survey Findings:

• Three out of four (74 percent) Americans agree, “the growth of the solar water heating industry will produce jobs and help the American economy.”
  • 80 percent of Northeastern residents, 78 percent of Midwestern residents, 69 percent of Southern residents, and 73 percent of Western residents agree with this statement.
  • 65 percent of self-identified Republicans, 76 percent of Independents, and 83 percent of Democrats agree with this statement.
• Positive perceptions of “solar water heating systems” exceed negative perceptions by more than 10 to 1 (48 percent to 4 percent).
• Solar energy is now considered to be the energy source most deserving of U.S. government support – outdistancing natural gas, oil, nuclear, and even wind energy.
• 63 percent of Americans believe solar energy can be used to heat water, heat buildings, cool buildings, heat swimming pools, and produce electricity.
• 46 percent say they would either be “extremely likely” (6 percent), “very likely” (9 percent), or “somewhat likely” (31 percent) to consider installing a solar water heating system in their own home.
• “The cost of purchasing the system” (72 percent) and “the cost of maintaining the system” (56 percent) are the top two concerns for residents in all regions and across key demographic/partisan groups.

The findings of the survey are based on polling conducted from June 23 – 26, 2011, among a representative sample of 1,013 U.S. adults, age 18+. The margin of error on the total sample of 1,013 is +/- 3.1 percent. Survey was conducted independently by Gotham Research based in New York.

Background Resources:

Public Perceptions of Solar Water Heating Systems report (Oct. 17, 2011): http://seia.us/qkujXI

U.S. Solar Market InsightTM: Year-in-Review 2010 (exec summary, Mar. 2011): http://seia.us/faR4N3
U.S. Solar Energy Trade Assessment 2011 (Aug. 2011): http://seia.us/pBNwBq 
Solar Heating & Cooling Technologies Fact Sheet: http://seia.us/nuD1SR

ABOUT SEIA®

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA® works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org

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Media Contacts:

Jared Blanton, 202.556.2886, jblanton@seia.org

Mark Sokolove, 424.208.3558, mark@tigercomm.us