California Center for Sustainable Energy

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Feb 13, 2008)— San Miguel Fire District (SMFD) installs a new solar water heating system, saving thousands of taxpayer dollars and blazing a green trail for San Diego’s sustainable energy future. Station 22 in Rancho San Diego is the first firehouse to take part in the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program ( SWHPP), a unique incentive program offered only to San Diegans. The new system will cut natural gas use by nearly 35 percent, saving taxpayers money and propelling San Diego toward a renewable energy future.

San Miguel Fire District encourages area residents and businesses to act fast to receive thousands of dollars in cash incentives, federal tax credits and lower monthly energy bills as a part of the SWHPP. The incentive program is administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) and funded by the California Public Utilities Commission as part of a major effort to offset California’s greenhouse gas emissions. The SWHPP is the predecessor to a potential $250 million statewide program.

The San Miguel Fire District and the California Center for Sustainable Energy will unveil the system and honor Solar Depot and Performance Solar for their collaborative efforts in making the SWH system donation possible. The event details are as follows:

SMFD Fire Chief Augie Ghio said, “This is a win-win situation. San Miguel gets a chance to go green, and we save taxpayers thousands of dollars. We’re honored to be part of a program that will help make all of San Diego green."

For more information about the SWH installation at Station 22, the SWH Pilot Program or to find a list of pre-qualified, eligible contractors log on to www.swh.energycenter.org.

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The California Center for Sustainable Energy is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to fostering public policy and programs to facilitate the adoption of clean, reliable, sustainable and efficient energy technologies and practices. For more information on CCSE programs, rebates and services, please visit www.energycenter.org or call 1-866-SDENERGY.

Solar Depot is one of the largest, and most experienced wholesale distributors and system integrators of solar electric and Solar Thermal systems in the U.S. Since 1979, Solar Depot has designed quality solar systems for homes, businesses, and government applications. They offer a variety of complete energy solutions ranging from initial consultation and site visits, to custom design and installation.

Performance Solar, Inc is a well-respected solar installation company member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and is dedicated to promoting the use of solar technologies. With over a decade in solar water heating experience, Performance Solar offers the highest quality services to Southern California, Arizona and Nevada customers.