A low-income family in San Diego will get a helping hand from the sun.

The Martin family in Broadway Heights was one of 50 needy households that will receive solar installations at no cost as a result of a newly established partnership between GRID Alternatives and local business Sullivan Solar Power.

As part of the agreement, or each new property that goes solar with Sullivan Solar Power, the company will donate one locally manufactured solar panel to GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization that brings solar power and solar job training into underserved communities.

Sullivan Solar Power is running a program for San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) residential customers, in which Sullivan Solar Power will pay homeowners that go solar with the company 20 cents per watt, up to $1,500 cash. The company launched its cash-back incentive program to replace the fully exhausted California Solar Initiative (CSI) state rebate for general market homeowners.

“Our firm has essentially created our own incentive program, Sullivan Cash Rewards, for SDG&E customers that go solar,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “To make it something that benefited the entire community, we have now launched this yearlong partnership with GRID Alternatives so that homeowners that need solar energy the most will also benefit.”

The partnership was announced at a press conference last week at the Martin residence, where a multi-generational family of nine is receiving the first solar electric system.

The Martin family is receiving an 18-panel rooftop solar array at no cost through GRID Alternatives.

The 3,809-watt solar power installation will save the Martin family $730 per year, with savings that will continue to grow over time as the cost of electricity goes up. Over the next 30 years, the Martin residence will save more than $35,000 on electricity costs as a result of their new solar installation.

Jimmie Martin, a veteran with a household of nine, with children and grandchildren residing in the home, said that he’s grateful for the helping hand in cutting down his electricity bill.

“This will be a huge benefit for our family,” said homeowner Martin, “and I hope to use some of the savings to help my neighborhood as well.”

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, who was present at the event, commended Sullivan Solar Power for its community initiative that supports the continued growth of solar power in the city and region. He praised the new philanthropic partnership that will benefit low-income San Diego families.

“California leads the nation in solar power, and San Diego is the solar capital of the nation,” said San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, “Partnerships like this help our city and state increase its energy independence and create a sustainable future for the next generation.”

GRID Alternatives is a non-profit organization that brings the benefits of solar technology to low-income communities. More than 3000 families have benefitted from the program to date, saving more than $82 million in lifetime electricity costs, and more than 11,000 people have received hands-on solar installation experience.

“Every family should have the opportunity to choose clean electricity from the sun,” said Paul Cleary, Regional Director of GRID Alternatives San Diego, “Sullivan Solar Power’s outstanding commitment will help dozens of local families realize their solar dreams— and our community will be greener for it.”

The partnership will extend beyond San Diego to benefit all of Southern California. Sullivan Solar Power will be donating panels to other GRID Alternatives offices for proj-ects in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino as well. To learn more about Sullivan Solar Power, visit www.sullivansolarpower.com or call 1-800-SULLIVAN. For more information about GRID Alternatives San Diego, visit www.gridalternatives.org/sandiego.