Partnership Brings Solar Power To New Orleans Residents

Meridian's Andrew McCalla and Rachel Robertson Rachel Robertson was in her house in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans when the Industrial Canal failed on the morning of August 29, 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. Within thirty minutes, the water level was up to seven feet inside her home. Rachel, along with a neighbor and two children, retreated to her attic until rescuers arrived two days later.

Today, eight new solar electric modules glint from the roof that sheltered them during the ordeal.

Helping convert New Orleans‚ s disaster into a showcase for clean, free energy from the sun was on the minds of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group (SESG) and their partner, Meridian Energy Systems, Inc, of Austin, TX, during a ‚ solar build‚ that preceded Sharp‚ s annual customer meeting last February.

Four Meridian employees spent two days installing an SESG 1.5-kilowatt Solar Racking System that includes ND-187U1 modules, a mounting structure, and an inverter. SESG donated ten such systems to be installed on the homes of nine residents and a community center. Meridian was one of ten ‚ top customers‚ selected to install the donated systems. The Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association (NENA) coordinated the effort in New Orleans.

‚ We have a great relationship with Sharp, and our interests aligned again on this project,‚ said Andrew McCalla, President of Meridian Energy Systems. ‚ Solar energy is for everyone, but free energy has special potential as a catalyst for rebuilding in this community. These solar electric systems will last a generation or longer.‚

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the world‚ s solar production leader, with solar cell production capacity of 710 megawatts per year worldwide. Meridian Energy Systems, Inc. is Texas‚ s premier solar electric design and installation company, with the most installed solar electric capacity and more NABCEP-certified professionals than any other Texas company.

Source: Meridian Energy Systems

Press Release, April 10, 2007

Contact: David Brearley, Operations Manager

512.448.0055