Real Goods Solar offers homeowners chance to win $25,000 solar system

I seldom enter sweepstakes because of the poor odds of winning.  Here's one, however, that I'm going to enter today.  Based on the data in the article, and my last electric bill, I would be selling electricity to the utility for about five months a year.

From Brighter Energy:

Homeowners in California, Colorado, New England or New Jersey stand the chance of winning a $25,000 solar power system in a new sweepstakes competition from solar firm Real Goods Solar.

The firm based in Boulder, Colorado, launched the contest yesterday, offering up a 4kW home solar electric system for the winners.
Qualifying homeowners in California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont can enter to win at www.RealGoodsSolar.com/Sweepstakes or by calling 1-888-56-SOLAR.
The company said no purchase was necessary to take part, with the deadline set at 6:00 pm PDT on September 30, 2011.
With the recent announcement of Real Goods Solar’s merger with northeast renewable energy leader Alteris Renewables, for the first time homeowners from many northeastern states are now eligible to participate in the Sweepstakes.
2010 sweepstakes winners Juan and Virginia Vasquez of Rialto, CA installed a 4.1kW solar electric system expected to generate 5804 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, and offset approximately 75% of the family’s electricity bill.
Based on average electricity usage, homeowners are likely to spend $100,000 on electricity bills over a 25 year period. The Sweepstakes brings attention to rising utility costs and renewable energy solutions to mitigate these increases. One lucky homeowner will have the ability to save thousands of dollars on electricity over the lifetime of their system.
John Schaeffer, Real Goods’ President of Residential and Founder, commented: “During these hot summer days, our customers often complain about high electric bills due to summer air conditioning loads. What better way to lower utility bills than with solar? Our customers frequently see a return on investment of over 20% for a purchased solar system, or a low money down and lower monthly bills on a power plan purchase. We’re happy to offer this sweepstakes to highlight the importance of converting to a solar economy!”
Real Goods Solar has now installed over 11,000 solar electric systems for both residential and commercial properties.
The company offers turnkey solar energy solutions, and has 33 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with its sale of the first solar photovoltaic panels in the United States in 1978. With 15 offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the United States.