ProVision Technologies and Maui Economic Development Board Commission Solar Electric Systems

Largest installed solar power array in Maui County brings predictable energy pricing in the costliest energy market in the US

“Combined, these systems represent the single largest PV installation in Maui County, ” said Steve Perkins, program director, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. ”By installing these systems, MECO will burn 110,00 fewer gallons of diesel over the system lifespan”. “Promoting Maui as a home for renewable energy pilot and demonstration projects from around the world is a specific economic diversification strategy we have been implementing for several years now. Kihei, HI.-- January 31, 2008—ProVision Technologies, Inc. a Hilo, Hawai’i-based provider of solar electric solutions to power individual households and commercial facilities today announced it has commissioned two photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which will provide over 100,000 kWhs/year of renewable energy to the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. (MEDB). The hurricane-ready design will give MEDB a showcase renewable energy facility providing more predictable power pricing in a volatile market that is almost entirely dependent on oil for its energy needs. MEDB is embracing solar power for both environmental and economic reasons. ProVision designed and built the PV system for Solar Power Partners, Inc. which will own and operate the facility, selling the solar generated electricity to MEDB through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This unique arrangement enables MEDB to purchase solar-generated electricity at a rate below current Maui Electric rates without incurring the expense and operational responsibilities of traditional infrastructure purchases. “Combined, these systems represent the single largest PV installation in Maui County, ” said Steve Perkins, program director, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. ”By installing these systems, MECO will burn 110,00 fewer gallons of diesel over the system lifespan”. “Promoting Maui as a home for renewable energy pilot and demonstration projects from around the world is a specific economic diversification strategy we have been implementing for several years now. Using renewable energy in our own building, coupled with an innovative financial vehicle, allows us to show leadership in this area and add momentum to growing local efforts”. Together, the solar systems will remove more than 3.6 million pounds of CO2, a leading greenhouse gas, 20,000 pounds of nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxides, which cause smog and acid rain. Plans to convert to solar power have been part of MEDB's goals for some time, but as a non-profit, the organization could not take advantage of financing incentives that help make such projects viable, such as federal investment tax credits. Solar Power Partners, a Mill Valley, California-based renewable energy finance and management company, teamed with ProVision to present an alternative financing solution in the form of a Power Purchase Agreement. SPP has overseen the installation and will provide ongoing maintenance and operations of the system, and provide MEDB predictable energy rates under a long-term contract. MEDB will be hosting a blessing ceremony for the systems on Tuesday, February 12 at 10AM at their facility located at 1305 N. Holopono Street, Kihei. The public is welcome. Please RSVP to Kelly Nomura at 270-6802 or Kelly@medb.org by Friday, February 8. About MEDB MEDB is a not-for-profit corporation chartered to strengthen and diversify Maui County’s economic base. Over MEDB’s 25 year history, the development of a high technology industry has been a priority in achieving economic development goals. MEDB is recognized for its leadership in developing and delivering successful programs in workforce development, business attraction/retention, and deploying programs to build the pipeline in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). See http://www.medb.org About ProVision Technologies ProVision Technologies is a licensed electrical contractor and has been incorporated since 1998, focusing exclusively on solar electric applications. ProVision is responsible for the design and sales of grid-tie systems across the state of Hawai'i with residential and commercial systems on the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai. www.provisiontechnologies.com About Solar Power Partners Solar Power Partners, Inc. is a California-based renewable energy company that helps businesses, institutions, municipalities and agricultural customers embrace solar energy. SPP develops, owns and operates distributed solar energy facilities and sells solar-generated electricity through Power Purchase Agreements, long-term energy financing solutions that help customers go green without the hassles or costs of solar facility ownership and maintenance. SPP serves the continental United States and Hawaii and teams with the nation’s best solar integrators for customized, renewable energy installations. Additional information can be found at www.solarpowerpartners.com. For more information contact: Steve Perkins Program Director Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. 1305 North Holopono Street, Suite 1 Kihei, Maui, Hawaii 96753 PH: 808-875-2432 FAX: 808-879-0011 www.hightechmaui.com www.medb.org For more solar and renewable energy news [SolarAccess.com]