Mitsubishi Electric and CSULB Students Install Solar Systems for Two Los Angeles Families in Need

Installation led by GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles

Mitsubishi Electric Green Team volunteers, students from CSULB Disabled Student Services and GRID Alternatives project leader pose in front of a newly installed 3.24kW solar system in Los Angeles. (Photo: Business Wire)

CYPRESS, Calif.--()--In an annual event, employee volunteers from Mitsubishi Electric U.S., Inc.’s Cypress, California headquarters joined forces with students from California State University Long Beach’s Disabled Student Services to install solar electric systems for families in need. This year, two families were beneficiaries of the solar electric systems, thanks to GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that works with volunteers to install solar electric systems for low-income families.

Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., which sells photovoltaic modules and other premier electronics, sponsored the installation by donating 6kW of Diamond Premium™ high performance monocrystalline PV modules bundled with inverters donated by SolarEdge and racking donated by Orion Solar Racking. The system is bundled as The Diamond Kit™ to simplify residential and light commercial installations for installers and save money for homeowners.

“We are pleased to extend our reach this year to two families in need,” said Gina Heng, vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi Electric U.S., Inc.’s Photovoltaic Division. “We appreciate the generosity of SolarEdge and Orion Solar Racking, and the leadership of GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, for making these installations possible.”

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation provided financial support for the installations with a grant to GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles. The grant provides hands-on training and education in renewable energy for the student volunteers, most of whom are interested in pursuing careers in the solar industry. The Foundation’s mission is to empower youth with disabilities to lead productive lives through increased employment.

“GRID Alternatives gave us the opportunity to further our mission to help youth with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. I’m impressed by the students’ interest in solar technology,” said Kevin Webb, director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. “We’re proud to continue our support of GRID Alternatives not only to help these students get practical experience in their chosen careers, but also to assist them to serve their community.”

The photovoltaic systems were installed in the homes of Edward Wong, a CSULB alumnus, and his family, of Los Angeles, and Zelmira Medina of East Los Angeles. “As a CSULB graduate, it was great to connect with these student volunteers from my alma mater,” said Mr. Wong. “On behalf of my family, I also want to thank all the companies for giving us the gift of solar energy for our new home.”

About Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.’s Photovoltaic Division

Mitsubishi Electric designs, engineers and manufactures high quality solar panels to deliver clean, reliable energy to its customers throughout the world. With more than 90 years of electronics manufacturing expertise and 40 years’ experience developing solar power technology, Mitsubishi Electric is one of the most established solar providers in the industry. Residential, commercial, and government customers can count on the company’s 25-year limited warranty to optimize their return on investment. Additional information is available at www.MitsubishiElectricSolar.com or by calling 714.220.2500.

About the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, based in the Washington, D.C. area, was established in 1991 by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and the Mitsubishi Electric U.S. companies, which produce, sell and distribute a wide range of consumer, industrial, commercial and professional electronics products. The Foundation has contributed more than $13 million to organizations that are empowering young people with disabilities to lead more inclusive and productive lives. To learn more, visit www.meaf.org.

About CSULB Disabled Student Services

The office of Disabled Student Services is a student support program within the Division of Student Affairs. Its mission is to assist students with disabilities as they secure their university degrees at California State University, Long Beach. The program provides services to more than 1,500 students each semester. More than 8,000 students with disabilities have graduated from California State University, Long Beach with support from this program. Additional information can be found at http://web.csulb.edu/divisions/students/dss/.

GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles serves Greater Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties. It is a non-profit organization that makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to low-income communities. The organization brings together community partners, volunteers and job trainees to implement solar power and energy efficiency for low-income families, providing energy cost savings, valuable hands-on experience, and a source of clean, local energy. Additional information is available at www.gridalternatives.org/gla/.

Contacts

Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
Brooke Behunin, 714-220-6885
brooke.behunin@meus.mea.com

Contacts

Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
Brooke Behunin, 714-220-6885
brooke.behunin@meus.mea.com