Grid Supply Solar Trade Association

"The formation of this Association is long overdue," said Spano. "Grid supply solar is an important part of the solar industry whose value has been largely disregarded over the last two years." The Association's goal is to demonstrate by providing factual data regarding the exceptional advantages of grid supply solar to the public at large, to the towns in which they are built, as well as to the policy makers responsible for meeting the Renewable Energy Standards established by the State. These projects provide large numbers of good jobs as well as clean reliable power at peak periods that benefits all New Jersey's ratepayers, not just those with solar on their roofs.

From their common experience, the group confirmed that key decisions are currently being considered that threaten the destruction of this industry sector, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of investment and the NJ jobs that come with that significant investment at a time when unemployment has affected so many NJ residents. Renewable energy attorney, Mark Bellin noted that "It is critical that key policy makers understand the facts and the consequences of the decisions they are about to make."

The Association has been formed to unite the solar grid supply industry and better educate the public and the regulatory agencies in order to encourage participation of all sectors of the solar industry in New Jersey. The Association stated in no uncertain terms that policies implemented by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities have effectively halted the construction of grid supply solar generation and blocked significant and needed investment in the state, notwithstanding the benefits that are demonstrated in virtually every other state with significant solar investment where Grid Supply projects have been the leading contributor to jobs growth.

Linzer Products Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers, importers, and exporters of paint tools and accessories, is replacing all the company's electricity needs with clean, solar power at its paint brush factory in San Fernando, California. The recent installation of a 614kW DC photovoltaic (PV) system includes 2,730 Mitsubishi Electric solar modules, installed by Sun Integration. The solar modules stretch across the factory's flat roof, transforming it into a productive space that contributes to the company's bottom line.

"Investing in a solar installation for our factory builds on our proud manufacturing history, while reducing our electrical costs and improving the environmental sustainability of our operations," said Linzer President and COO Brent Swenson. "Linzer's commitment to producing quality paint tools dates back to 1892, and our commitment to environmental quality extends to future generations."

The system is estimated to produce 920 MWh of electricity per year. The project is financed in part by the federal investment tax credit, and a rebate from the California Solar Initiative.

"Sun Integration applauds Linzer Products Corporation for powering their production facility with the sun," said Sevan Varteressian, President of Sun Integration. "It was rewarding to work with Linzer to advance the company's environmental and economic goals through installation of their PV system."

Linzer Products selected Mitsubishi Electric solar modules for their PV installation based on the company's 92 years of experience in the electronics business. In addition to Mitsubishi Electric's reputation for highly efficient and durable solar modules, Linzer valued the product's environmental credentials, including lead-free solder, and its production in a solar-powered facility with IS0 14001 certification.

"Mitsubishi Electric and Linzer Products Corporation share the philosophy that product quality is reflected in the economic and environmental sustainability of the manufacturing process," said Gina Heng, Vice President and General Manager of Mitsubishi Electric's photovoltaic division. "We are pleased to be able to help a local manufacturer harness the sun with the use of our solar modules."