Terasaki Budokan Community Center Breaks Ground With Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. Solar Power Donation

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10, 2017 -- 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.

Key representatives, including Mitsubishi Electric US Inc. president and CEO Kent Hora (fourth from left), celebrate at the ground breaking ceremony for the new Budokan in Little Tokyo on August 3.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c73b195d-3e7c-4847-96e4-ed670d0ffdc5

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.

About Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.’s Photovoltaic Division

Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. sells high quality solar panels to deliver clean, reliable energy to its customers throughout the world. With more than 90 years of electronics manufacturing expertise and 40 years’ experience developing solar power technology, Mitsubishi Electric is one of the most established solar providers in the industry. Residential, commercial, and government customers can count on the 25-year solar module limited warranty offered by Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. to enhance their return on investment. Additional information and terms of the limited warranty are available at www.MitsubishiElectricSolar.com or by calling 714.220.2500.

In addition to solar modules, Mitsubishi Electric US group companies’ principal businesses include semiconductor devices, automotive electrical components, elevators and escalators, factory automation products and services, heating and cooling products, electric utility products, and large-scale video displays for stadiums and arenas. Mitsubishi Electric US group companies have roughly 31 locations throughout North America with approximately 4,000 employees.

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, based in the Washington, DC area, was established in 1991 by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and the Mitsubishi Electric group companies in the United States, which produce, sell and distribute a wide range of consumer, industrial, commercial and professional electronics products. The foundation has contributed more than $15 million over the past 26 years to organizations that empower young people with disabilities to lead more inclusive and productive lives.

Little Tokyo Service Center is a social service and community development organization that has been creating positive change for the people and places in Southern California for more than 37 years. The organization preserves and strengthens the unique ethnic communities of the region and helps people thrive. Starting with its home in Little Tokyo, LTSC builds and strengthens communities throughout Southern California where people, culture and our collective future matter.

GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles is a non-profit organization that makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. We bring together community partners, volunteers and job trainees to implement solar power and energy efficiency for low-income families, providing energy cost savings, valuable hands-on experience, and a source of clean, local energy that benefits us all.  Additional information can be found at www.gridla.org

Media Contact:
Brooke Behunin
Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
714-220-6885
[email protected]