Think globally-act locally, what does it mean? It means that while you are thinking about installing a solar electric generation (also known as photovoltaic or PV) system for your home, which will help the environment and the world at large, you should consider using the services of reputable installers right here in Pasadena.

Here are five of the solar installation companies located in Pasadena:

The Michael Lenton Construction Company at 1652 Paloma Street in Pasadena has been in business for five years specializing in the design, engineering and installation of solar energies and green building alterations to older homes. They are licensed General Contractor (B) and Solar Contractor (C-46), as well as LEED Accredited Professional (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as put forth by the USGBC United States Green Building Council.) Currently they are working on designing a Craftsman style pergola shade cover with solar panels on top. This project had too much shade from mature trees to put the panels on the house, so in this case the pergola solved both obstacles. For more information please email Mr. Lenton at: mlcpasadena@yahoo.com or call 626-798-8273.

Empire Social Solutions Inc. at 530 South Lake Avenue, Suite 751 in Pasadena specializes in small commercial and residential solar power in Pasadena, according to one of the owners, Joe Cannon. For more information on Empire Solar Solutions, Inc. you can to email Joe (who is a Pasadena resident) at Jcannon@empiresolar.com or call 800-786-1010.

EcoConsultants at 145 North the Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite 11 in Pasadena offers design, engineering installation for residential and commercial PV (photovoltaic) systems. You can check out your energy savings with a free calculation tool on their website at www.ecoconsultants.com and find out about their free site evaluation. For more information call 626-577-4977.

Nopec Inc DBA Run on Sun at 655 South Raymond Avenue in Pasadena has been in the commercial and residential PV installation business for three years, also offering performance analysis as well as consultation for utility companies about solar power. Jim Jenal told me they have AC 10 electrician's license and a general contractor's license, and recommends that you visit their website at www.RunonSun.com or e-mail him at JJenal@runonsun.com or call 626-793-6025 with your questions.

Cruz Electric at 3215 Fairpoint Street in Pasadena, for information, call Robert Cruz at 626-794-2040 or email him at cruzelectric@dslextreme.com.

To check out the details on how to contact more solar companies, you can go to the California renewable retailers and installers database, Go Solar California. There you will find links to basic information about solar power, the equipment that is eligible to use on your home, the California Solar Initiative handbook, the information for the program on new home installation (New Solar Homes Partnership), and information for nonresidential solar installations, as well as for builders and installers.

For more info: U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Industries Association,

To read more articles on Solar Power: CitizenRe Corporation: Solar Power Company Offers a Deal Too Good to Be True, City of Pasadena Offers Sizzling Solar Savings