Local Rotary Club Powered by new Solar Program

The Rotary Club of San Ramon celebrated the first major donation it received as part of an innovative new “Alliance Fundraising Program.”   The $8,573 donation was the result of a single company, Heritage Paper of Livermore, adding solar to their Livermore facility.  The program is being tested and sponsored by Vista Solar Inc.
Vista’s program creates an “alliance” with local charitable organizations like Rotary. After referring the owner to Vista and the system is installed, the Rotary Club receives a donation based on the system’s size.
“With this system, Heritage is generating more than 90% of our own electricity, and at a fraction of our previous cost,” said John Tatum, CEO of Heritage Paper. “Why wouldn’t we do this?”
Rob Blatecky, Manager at Vista Solar, describes the program as a win-win for all. “A commercial packaging company like Heritage Paper, or almost any company spending more than $20,000/yr, can drop their present $0.18/kWh electrical costs to $0.03-0.07/kWh.  Those savings help to grow the business,” said Blatecky. “Meanwhile, the San Ramon Rotary Foundation receives much needed funds that they will use to support some of their community service programs.”