An Important Message from Alternate Energy and Mitsubishi Electric

A recent letter from certified Mitsubishi installer Alternate Energy reaffirms that Mitsubishi panels made in Japan are safe and unaffected by any contamination at the Fukushima power plant.

Here is the letter, addressed to Alternate Energy owner and founder Bruce Ekimura, in its entirety:

Dear Mr. Ekimura,

As you know, Alternate Energy is a highly valued customer of Mitsubishi Electric. We are pleased and honored to have Alternate Energy install our winning solar modules for your Hawaiian customers. The purpose of this letter is to provide background information on our company and its solar products.

Place of Manufacture

Our solar modules are manufactured entirely in Japan. The cells are made at a factory in the city of Iida located in Nagano prefecture. Then, the modules are assembled in Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan.

Safe Product

Because of the recent radioactive release at Fukushima nuclear power plant, some consumers may understandably have concerns about the safety of Japanese made products. As our solar products are manufactured several hundred miles to the south of the Fukushima plant, we have not experienced any problems with their safety. It may also interest your customers to know that the U.S. Customs Service screens products from Japan for radioactivity.

The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) recently issued a letter explaining that while all Japanese products are being monitored by U.S. authorities for radioactivity, none have shown signs of contamination. The ECIA’s letter, which contains more detailed information on the monitoring regimen, can be found at www.eciaonline.org.

Sincerely, Gina Heng General Manager and Vice President

Photovoltaic Division Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA Inc.

Mitsubishi continues to be an ideal choice for Hawaii solar customers. It is the only manufacturer to offer warranty within the 500-meter coastal zone — of crucial importance in Hawaii’s salt-air climate.

High winds are also a part of life in our state. While many solar panels only meet the minimum windload rating of 50 pounds per square foot (ppsf), Mitsubishi panels are rated to 112 ppsf.

Alternate Energy is located at 1111 Dillingham Blvd., Ste. H3, in Honolulu. For a free household energy and solar consultation, call 842-5853.