December 1, 2006

Mahwah, NJ, USA: Sharp Solar Modules to be Installed on Habitat For Humanity Homes

Sharp will supply solar modules for several Habitat for Humanity homes in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Already, five such homes in the Brookhaven, LI area have been outfitted with Sharp modules, and based on the success of the program, Habitat for Humanity will continue fitting the homes with the energy-producing equipment.

A Sharp Habitat For Humanity Installation In Progress
Up to 10 additional homes on Long Island will have solar modules installed over the next year on existing newly constructed homes. Habitat for Humanity homes are provided for low-income, first-time homebuyers who are required to provide "sweat-equity" by helping to build the houses that they will buy and occupy.

Each array of Sharp modules will be 3 to 4 kilowatts (kW) in size; enough to provide most of the electricity used by each household. This will mean a nearly zero electricity bill for the homeowners. Typically, the monthly electricity bill would be about $130, so the savings would add up to roughly $1,500 per year. All Sharp solar modules carry a 25-year warranty.

All systems will utilize Sharp's new Solar Racking System (SRS) - the first such installations on Long Island. The system includes 187-watt ND-187U1 solar modules, mounting structure and a Sharp Sunvista inverter, all designed for streamlined installation, improved aesthetics and superb reliability. Designed for residential or light commercial systems, the SRS sits lower on the roof than prior racking systems, and is ideal for both retrofit and new construction. Installation of the SRS systems saves costs by cutting down on installation time and reducing the amount of materials used.

"Sharp solar energy systems are helping people around the world realize the financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy," said Ron Kenedi, Vice President of Sharp's Solar Energy Solutions Group. "By incorporating Sharp's solar energy solutions into their projects, Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County is making a smart decision that will benefit homebuyers and the community for years to come."

In addition to the home installations, Habitat for Humanity will have Sharp modules installed on its own corporate offices in Suffolk County. A 4 kW system will be installed on one of its two buildings, followed by a 6 kW system on the larger, second building. Empire Electric, a leading supplier of solar electric equipment, will be responsible for designing the systems and supervising the installation, which will be done by KPS Contracting and Greystone Energy Contractors.

"This is something we're very glad we could be a part of," says Bill Feldmann, Clean Energy Manager of Empire Electric. "A solar system on the roof makes the home even more affordable to the new owners."

Further details about: Sharp Electronics