Help for the Holidays Home Solar Program Lights Way for Energy Savings in California and Abroad

BERKELEY, Calif., SAN RAMON, Calif. and MURRIETA, Calif., Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HelioPower, an integrated energy solutions company with over 2000 solar and clean energy systems engineered and installed since 2001, and Power to the People, a 501c3 non-profit organization working with volunteers to bring solar electricity to community buildings in rural areas of the developing world, today announced "Help for the Holidays," a joint campaign to help households in California and Nicaragua secure affordable solar energy.

Sponsored by Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, "Help for the Holidays" allows California homeowners to adopt solar with a $500 cash back offer and free solar installation. The campaign also includes a gift card giveaway to help California residents with holiday gift giving. For every home solar system installed through the campaign, HelioPower will donate to the new Solar Lighting Program, recently launched by Power to the People.

"So many people around the world have no lights to see by at night. We're excited to work with HelioPower as we launch our Solar Lighting program in order to bring affordable solar lights to families in Nicaragua this winter," said Jenean Smith, executive director, Power to the People, and marketing director for Trojan Battery.

The Power to the People initiative was featured at the recent Solar Power International 2011 "Women in Solar" gathering in Dallas, Texas, where Smith presented the nonprofit's mission during a panel discussion. "It is difficult for us to imagine living without electricity when so much of our daily lives depend on it. Yet people in other parts of the world live without this resource," she said.

In the United States, with energy prices increasing annually, many homeowners struggle with high electric bills. During the holidays those energy bills often increase to cover holiday lighting and heating costs.

"We are very happy to sponsor a worthy program with industry-leading partners to bring clean energy to people around the world," said Alan King, general manager of Canadian Solar USA. "Helping California consumers save money during the holiday season while also providing an important daily resource to people who otherwise might not have it is an ideal example of the power and reach of solar energy."

"Imagine being able to buy presents instead of paying your electric bill," said Scott Gordon, vice president of residential sales for HelioPower. "Our holiday campaign is designed to help homeowners with $150 cash gift cards to cover their electric bills and to offer savings for years to come. We are very pleased that the campaign empowers California homeowners to assist families in Nicaragua in lighting their homes affordably as well."

Click on the following link to access the Help for the Holidays home solar campaign: http://www.heliopower.com/holidays

About Power to the People
Power to the People is a 501c3 non-profit organization working with volunteers to bring solar electricity to community buildings in rural areas of the developing world. Our mission is to create opportunities for people to improve the quality of their own lives through the installation of renewable energy technologies. By working together towards a common goal, volunteers learn about renewable energy technologies, community development, and gain a new perspective about life in another culture. For more information please visit www.powertothepeople.org.  

About HelioPower
HelioPower is an integrated energy solutions company with over 2000 solar and clean energy systems engineered and installed since 2001. We reduce energy costs and develop energy assets by leveraging renewable energy production, demand side management and return on investment strategies for clients in the U.S. and abroad.  For more information, visit http://www.HelioPower.com.

About Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)
Canadian Solar, Inc. is one of the world's largest solar companies. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules and other solar applications, Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar system solutions for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. With operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global, sustainable development. For more information, visit www.canadiansolar.com.

SOURCE HelioPower, Inc.