LOUISVILLE, Colo., Feb. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RGS Energy, the commercial and utility division of Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSOL), a nationwide leader of turnkey solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, and utility customers, has been engaged by the City of El Cerrito, CA to design and install 336 kW of solar power at several municipal locations.
The project involves the installation of more than 1,200 panels on several rooftops and solar carport structures at the city's community center, public safety building, recycling center, and fire station.
The installation supports the efforts of the Small Cities Climate Action Partnership (ScCAP), a collaboration of the cities of El Cerrito, Albany, Piedmont and San Pablo to implement clean energy improvements and other climate protection efforts in their communities.
"El Cerrito is committed to the natural environment and sustainability," said Greg Lyman, Mayor of El Cerrito. "Installing solar panels on city facilities achieves these goals with clean energy and support of our economy while saving the city money."
The combined solar energy capacity of these installations is expected to offset approximately 127 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, or about 5% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations.
According to RGS Energy General Manager Tim Seamans: "The City of El Cerrito represents a shining example for other American cities to follow in how they have proactively embraced renewable energy solutions to save money and reduce pollution. These projects represent a clear win-win for the city and the environment. We are confident that solar will be embraced by more and more cities across the country."
About the City of El Cerrito, CA
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the City of El Cerrito is an established community of approximately 24,000 residents with numerous parks and open space, a commercial corridor and easy access to transportation. The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports its diverse community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring public safety and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future. To see how, visit www.el-cerrito.org.
About Real Goods Solar and RGS Energy
Real Goods Solar, Inc. (RSOL) is one of the nation's pioneering solar energy companies serving commercial, residential, and utility customers. Beginning with one of the very first photovoltaic panels sold in the U.S. in 1978, the company has installed more than 14,500 solar power systems representing over 100 megawatts of 100% clean renewable energy. Real Goods Solar makes it very convenient for customers to save on their energy bill by providing a comprehensive solar solution, from design, financing, permitting and installation to ongoing monitoring, maintenance and support. As one of the nation's largest and most experienced solar power players, the company has 15 offices across the West and the Northeast. It services the commercial and utility markets through its RGS Energy division. For more information, visit RealGoodsSolar.com or RGSEnergy.com, or call (888) 507-2561.
The Real Goods Solar, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6455
This press release includes forward-looking statements relating to matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "intend," "believe," "will," "should" or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy. While Real Goods Solar believes its assumptions and expectations underlying forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not be materially different. Risks and uncertainties that could cause materially different results include, among others, introduction of new products and services, completion and integration of acquisitions, the possibility of negative economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties included in Real Goods Solar's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Real Goods Solar assumes no duty to update any forward-looking statements.