LOS GATOS, Calif., Sept. 11, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, today announced the launch of several new community initiatives in Orange County designed to meet market demand in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and the surrounding communities. The programs build on Akeena Solar's proven community program model that recently saw more than 30 new residential installations in less than 60 days in the Northern California city of Livermore.
"In my family we have two philosophies-the environment and economics," said Bill Harford, a Newport Beach Akeena customer whose electric bills decreased from $120 per month to $12 with the installation of an Akeena solar system. "When we saw electricity rates rising again and calculated the payback of a solar investment, making the switch to solar power became a no-brainer. Working with an established installer like Akeena Solar gave us confidence that we made the right decision. We're excited our neighbors will now have the opportunity to work together in these community programs to bring more clean and affordable solar power into Orange County."
These new programs are in response to Southern California's rising concern over skyrocketing electricity costs this summer and looming utility rate hikes this winter. According to several of more than 20 homeowners who attended an Akeena Solar seminar held this weekend in Newport Beach, solar is a wise investment. Going solar locks in a low fixed rate for their electricity needs today or guarantees free electricity in six to 10 years when the system has paid for itself.
Scheduled to run September through October 31, the programs will educate homeowners and help them take advantage of federal and state incentives. Akeena Solar will provide a free solar evaluation of the property and review old electricity bills to make sure that solar is the right choice. Then, Akeena designs a custom system to suit each homeowner's needs, files and manages all the utility and municipal paper work, and covers the rebate costs so the customer does not have to wait. Additionally, Akeena Solar will offer thousands of dollars of discount to homeowners in qualifying areas.
"Our phones are ringing non-stop with homeowners across Orange County interested in finding out how they can put solar on their roofs," said Kevin Blake, Southern California's community program manager for Akeena Solar. "Drastically rising electricity prices have homeowners eager to make a change."
More seminars are planned with the next seminar scheduled for September 16th from 7 to 8 pm at the Environmental Nature Center, 1601 16th Street. For more information, Newport Beach homeowners may visit www.GoSolarNewportBeach.com. Homeowners in Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and surrounding Orange County communities may visit www.GoSolarOC.com.
About Akeena Solar, Inc. Founded in 2001, Akeena Solar's philosophy is simple: We believe producing clean electricity directly from the sun is the right thing to do for our environment and economy. Akeena Solar has grown to become one of the largest national installers of residential and commercial solar power systems in the United States. The company's new integrated solar panel system, Andalay, is the only solar panel system with integrated racking, wiring and grounding. Andalay panels offer unprecedented reliability, performance and aesthetics. For more information, visit Akeena Solar's website at www.akeena.com.
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