Seven families in the Sierre Pointe affordable housing subdivision in southwest Fresno will be able to lower their electric bill by 75% a month now that they each have received a free electric system.

A seven-panel solar system, worth about $11,000, was installed on each home during a one-day "solarthon" event organized by the Fresno office of GRID Alternatives on Saturday. The nonprofit helps low-income families reduce energy bills with solar systems.

(Photo courtesy of GRID Alternatives.)

More than 150 volunteers and solar-job trainees helped install the systems.

The solar systems were paid for under California's Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program, which provides qualified low-income families with solar systems.

Homeowner Andrew Zingarelli said he feels like he won the lottery. He never imagined that he would own a solar system.

"This is a big deal; we really appreciate it," Zingarelli said.