Solar Water Heating Program Will Provide Approximately 17,000
Rheem SolPak^® Active Solar Water Heating Systems to Members of the VEA

Rheem Manufacturing Company, one of the world’s largest producers of residential and commercial heating, cooling and water heating comfort products, announces a groundbreaking association with the Valley Electric Association (VEA) to launch the largest Domestic Solar Water Heating (DSWH) program ever undertaken in the United States. This program offers each member of the VEA, an electrical co-op servicing more than 22,000 meters within Nevada and California, an opportunity to install a Rheem solar water heating system in their residence.

By installing a Rheem SolPak water heating system, participating residents and business owners will achieve significant water and energy savings. It’s estimated that members switching from electric or propane water heating systems will save between $250 and $550 annually on water heating. According to the VEA, this program will also help to eliminate 15.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and save $34 million or more, collectively, on energy costs over the next 20 years.

Valley Electric and Rheem officially kicked off the DSWH program at Valley Electric’s 2009 Energy Symposium on Sept. 5, 2009, in Pahrump, Nev.

“We’re extremely pleased to have been selected as the exclusive solar supplier for this project, which is a watershed event for energy and water conservation in the U.S.,” said Chris Peel, Rheem senior vice president and chief operating officer.  “As the only company that offers innovative air conditioning and water heating products like SolPak, we applaud Valley Electric and its members for taking a proactive and creative approach to sustainability and green living. Together, we’re looking forward to providing home and business owners in California and Nevada with the ultimate in comfort, while also doing our part to further conservation efforts.”

“In addition to providing affordable solar water heating to nearly 5,000 homes, we anticipate that the program will immediately create over 100 jobs in Nevada and increase capital in the area by approximately $12 million,” said Jeff Mahoney, Rheem alternative energy market manager.

SolPak is an active, closed loop solar water heating system, meaning that it uses a pump to circulate a non-toxic heat transfer fluid through the system. Rheem SolPak makes installation a snap by coming packaged with all the components needed to complete a standard installation.

“With a successful history of more than 80 years in the water heating business, Rheem is able to bring the high level of consumer confidence that is essential to our business model and the success of the DSWH program,” says Thomas Husted, chief executive officer of VEA. “The selection of a reliable solar partner with market-ready products was critical to the success of this program.”

Valley Electric will provide zero percent interest financing to members who choose to participate in the DSWH program, allowing resident members an easy pathway to using this exciting, innovative, energy-saving Rheem technology.  Participating members will also be eligible to receive a Federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the installed cost including labor.

Rheem is the only major manufacturer that produces air and water conditioning products that includes a fast-growing suite of innovative super efficient hybrid, cross-over and dual fuel products that offer a wide variety of energy saving, eco-friendly options for homes and businesses. 

For more information on the DSWH program, please visit www.vea.coop.  For more information about Rheem and its alternative energy products, please visit www.rheem.com.

About Rheem Manufacturing Company
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta.  In its 82nd year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of high-quality residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar, and heat pump water heaters; swimming pool heaters and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets.  The company’s premium brands including Raypak, Ruud and Rheem have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design, and high quality.  
 
About Valley Electric Association Inc.
Valley Electric Association is a member owned and a non-profit organization. It serves as an electrical co-op, which is an organization formed by a group of people for the purpose of providing electric service in an area that for many reasons has not attracted an investor owned utility.  This means service at cost, which provides its members with capital credits, local ownership and governance.