Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. pledged to donate solar panels for a 42kW solar power system to the new multipurpose sports facility and community center, Paul I. Terasaki Budokan.  The donation was announced during the ground breaking ceremony in Little Tokyo on August 3.

Twenty-three years in the making, Terasaki Budokan is a project of Little Tokyo Service Center. The 38,000 square-foot facility will serve youth, families and seniors. When it opens in the Spring of 2019, the Budokan will offer sports, community activities and opportunities to connect visitors to Japanese American culture and to a vibrant, sustainable Little Tokyo.

Kent Hora, president & CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. and Mitsubishi Electric US Holdings, announced the sponsorship at the ceremony. "Mitsubishi Electric is pleased to support Little Tokyo Service Center in development of the Terasaki Budokan facility in its efforts to help create a vibrant and sustainable Little Tokyo," said Hora.  "We are honored to be able to contribute to this worthy cause."

The 42kW, 150-panel system is expected to produce 69,412 kWh in its first year of operation.  The system is expected to produce more than 1,611 MWh over 25 years and save Little Tokyo Service Center in excess of $366,000. This is equivalent to eliminating 751 tons of GHG, removing 143 cars from the road, or planting 17,459 new trees.

In addition to the product donation, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, whose mission is to empower youth with disabilities to lead productive lives, will match the value of the equipment sponsorship, as well as volunteer hours for the installation. PanelClaw Inc has also generously donated the rooftop racking for this 42kW system.

The system will be designed and installed by GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, which makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles will train local university students with disabilities and volunteers from Mitsubishi Electric to work side by side on the installation.

Mitsubishi Electric | www.mitsubishielectricsolar.com

GRID Alternatives | www.gridla.org