One Block Off the Grid Introduces the First Online Solar Marketplace for Residential Homeowners

By building on 1BOG's proven technology platform and partnering with major national solar companies, 1BOG allows homeowners to compare pricing and financial options such as leases and PPAs, much like they would on Kayak or Expedia except they also receive unbiased guidance throughout the process from an independent 1BOG solar specialist.

San Francisco, CA May 29, 2013


Going solar used to take weeks of research and months of negotiations, but now it can all be done in minutes thanks to a new one-stop-shop model introduced by One Block Off the Grid ("1BOG"). By building on 1BOG's proven technology platform and partnering with major national solar companies, 1BOG allows homeowners to compare pricing and financial options such as leases and PPAs, much like they would on Kayak or Expedia except they also receive unbiased guidance throughout the process from an independent 1BOG solar specialist.

As traditional energy costs continue to rise and homeowners are confronted with weathering these increases, solar is a viable opportunity to hedge against future increases in energy bills by locking in current rates for up to twenty years. 1BOG is now able to offer power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leasing options for homeowners in fifteen states from the nation's best solar providers. Based on their location, electricity consumption, and size of their house, homeowners can compare different offerings to go solar for little or no money down, have the option to create custom payments and investment options, or explore pre-paid opportunities.

"Anyone who owns a home and has a high monthly electricity bill should consider solar. Now all they have to do is go to 1BOG to shop and compare options, and in minutes they'll see what solar can do for them," said Ousman Bah, managing director of 1BOG. "Our advisors will walk them through PPA or leasing options, help them understand what is the best option based on their area and their needs, and give them the information they need to make an informed decision. It's all free, and there is no hassle."

The key to 1BOG's success is that the company unflinchingly focuses on demystifying the complexities around going solar. Many homeowners recognize that it's a good idea, but have a hard time knowing where to begin. That's where 1BOG comes in.

The process is simple. Any homeowner interested in solar can go to http://www.1bog.org and become a member for free. Once they've signed up, a solar consultant will contact them within a few minutes to walk them through a simple qualification process, including using satellite imagery to check for roof size and position, which way the house faces, and what kind of shading might inhibit solar productivity. Next, the 1BOG representative will schedule a time for a more detailed session, also done online and in real-time, to determine what the best options are based on their location, preferences, and energy usage. All of this is free and done virtually. No pressure, no hassle – and nobody is knocking at the door or sitting in the living room. In fact, 1BOG's customers frequently are surprised at just how easy the process can be – and how quickly rewarding it is as well.

"When I first thought about going solar, I was put off by cost and had the idea that it was going to be a huge deal. But it wasn't because 1BOG took care of me," said 1BOG member and solar homeowner Sharon W. of Texas. "I live in an area where fracking is on the rise, and environmentalism is now a constant discussion. Going solar should be as easy as possible, so I'm glad that companies like 1BOG are around to help individuals figure it all out."

"Going solar had to make financial sense for us," said 1BOG member Peter L. of Boston, MA. "We talked to a couple of different solar companies but ultimately chose 1BOG because of their leasing option and the fact that they offer performance guarantees. Everything just worked. My expectations were to put the panels on the roof, save some money and not worry about it, and that's exactly how it's been. Now, I spend maybe two minutes a month thinking about solar - one minute when I get my electric bill and see how much money I've saved, and another minute when I get my report showing me how much clean energy I've generated."

On average, homeowners that go solar via 1BOG save an average of over $1,200 US per year and are able to lock in power rates for up to twenty-five years, thus saving them from rising utility costs. There's no upfront cost, and 1BOG advisors work with each homeowner to determine the absolute best option for their needs, ensuring that the process goes smoothly from start to finish.

"What 1BOG now offers will allow thousands of American families to compare and select the best solar provider in the nation without leaving their living room," said Bah. "We believe this will be the key to unlocking the true potential of solar in the US market."

To learn more about the new 1BOG, please visit http://www.1bog.org.

About One Block Off the Grid, a Pure Energies Group company

One Block Off the Grid ("1BOG") is the one-stop shop for homeowners looking to go solar. By partnering with leading solar companies, 1BOG offers the best options for residential solar all in one place. The company has been featured in dozens of major media outlets including The New York Times, Huffington Post, USA Today, Marketplace, Wired, Time, Wall Street Journal. In 2012, the company was acquired by Pure Energies Group. To date, 1BOG has helped more than 3,600 members go solar. For more information, including our current markets, please visit http://www.1bog.org, or find us at http://www.facebook.com/OneBlockOfftheGrid

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