Local solar firm to hold free luncheon seminar to share information on alternative to increasing utility bills

FALLBROOK - California experienced a heat wave with record-high temperatures last month. The impact of the sweltering heat and humidity was felt by Fallbrook and Bonsall residents, but also through high energy bills. If the use of air conditioning was not enough, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) also increased their rates in September. Local solar firm, Sullivan Solar Power, is promoting solar energy to Fallbrook-area residents as a solution to high energy bills. Sullivan Solar Power will be hosting an educational luncheon at Fallbrook Library on Saturday, October 5 at 11 a.m. to inform local property owners about solar technology, rebates and incentives and the recent utility rate hike.

“Because of my husband’s health issues the electric bill alone was running over $200 a month,” said Fallbrook resident Ruby Hoffman, “We have had a Sullivan Solar Power solar system on the home for two years now and there is no electric bill. I really love that!”

By going solar, residents can reduce or eliminate electric bills and hedge against future utility rate hikes. In September, a San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) rate increase went into effect. The rate hike increased electric bills by up to 39 percent for highest tier ratepayers. San Diego Gas and Electric has the highest electricity rates in the continental United States. With the rate increase in affect, a homeowner in SDG&E’s territory who previously paid $220 per month prior to the rate hike will now pay $280.

“Due to the recent utility rate hike, we have received the largest spike in demand for solar power in our company’s nine-year history,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “Now that property owners are seeing their new bills, they are looking for an alternative to the utility.”

Electricity rates for SDG&E ratepayers are anticipated to go up again in the first quarter of 2014. The recent announcement of the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station may prove to eventually result in yet another increase in costs for ratepayers.

By transitioning to solar power with local firm, Sullivan Solar Power, a homeowner that currently has a monthly electric bill of $280 is able to go solar and have a new monthly solar payment of $132 per month. The homeowner will receive a federal tax credit to the tune of $6,750. In addition to the federal incentive, Sullivan Solar Power is providing cash-back incentives to SDG&E residents for the remainder of the year, of $0.20 per watt up to $1,500.

“Solar is the way to go! I’m shocked more people haven’t already gone solar since it’s such a wise investment,” said Fallbrook resident and Sullivan Solar Power customer, Lita O’Day, “We’re still very happy with it, two years after it was installed.”

A free, one-hour information solar power luncheon will take place on Sat., October 5 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Fallbrook Library (124 S. Mission Rd., Fallbrook). The presentation will cover solar technology, how it works, rebates and incentives, and the SDG&E rate hike.

To RSVP for the luncheon or for additional information, call 1-800-SULLIVAN or visit http://www.SullivanSolarPower.com.