Real Goods Solar, Inc. Selected to Implement California's Largest Residential Solar Community Initiative

San Francisco based 1 Block Off the Grid is a nationwide consumer-based initiative, the largest in the country, that focuses on driving the adoption of residential renewable energy and sustainable living solutions through education and community.

"We had a tremendous response from many highly qualified solar installation companies," says Sylvia Ventura, Founder and Managing Partner of 1BOG.org. "This first phase of 1BOG has been very encouraging and ultimately validates the community purchase model. Our decision to go with Real Goods Solar came after a thorough selection process that covered a variety of areas. Real Goods Solar scored high in each of the key areas."

"We also wanted to make sure we selected a partner that was capable of moving rapidly so our members could benefit from the maximum potential rebates and solar incentives before they decline or expire," says Dan Barahona, co-Founder of 1BOG.org. "We are looking forward to working closely with Real Goods Solar to build a strong foundation that will benefit the community and the industry at large."

Real Goods Solar, now in its 31st year of selling solar and advocating green practices, will provide 1BOG members turnkey solar systems at a pre-negotiated price, including design, installation, monitoring, permitting and rebate paperwork. Real Goods Solar will also provide the new Enphase Energy Micro-inverter System, giving San Francisco homeowners the ability to log in from any location to monitor the energy their system is producing.

"We're very pleased to be selected as the vendor of choice for 1BOG's pioneering community purchase campaign," said John Schaeffer, founder and CEO of Real Goods Solar. "Drawing on our experience of over 50 solar installations in San Francisco and over 2,600 in the U.S., we're confident that we will meet and exceed San Franciscans' expectations for going solar. 1BOG.org's vision is aligned with our own corporate mission. We were impressed by 1 Block Off the Grid's creative approach to addressing some of the key barriers to residential solar adoption through accessible information, community building and social tools. We look forward to implementing this incredible solar incentive program for San Francisco homeowners."

About Real Goods Solar

Real Goods Solar is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 2600 solar systems for both residential and commercial properties. Real Goods Solar offers turnkey solutions, including design, procurement, permitting, build-out, grid connection, and rebate paperwork. Real Goods Solar has 30 years of experience in residential solar energy, beginning with its sale of the first solar photovoltaic panels in the United States. With offices/distribution centers in San Rafael, Santa Cruz, Murrieta and Hopland, California, as well as in Boulder, Colorado, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the United States. For more information, go to www.realgoodssolar.com or call 1-888-507-2561.

About 1 Block Off the Grid.org

1BOG.org is a community-based initiative with the goal to drive widespread renewable energy adoption for residential use through education, private financing and community purchase programs. Initially serving San Francisco communities, 1BOG intends to expand its reach with similar campaigns in Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and Washington DC. For additional information please visit www.1BOG.org or call 415-601-5336.

SOURCE: Real Goods Solar Inc.

Real Goods Solar Inc. Liz Huntington, 415-456-2800 ext. 108 Director of Marketing Liz.huntington@realgoods.com or 1 Block Off the Grid Sylvia Ventura, 415-601-5336 Founder, Managing Partner Sylvia@1BOG.org