SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., April 21, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akeena Solar's (Nasdaq:AKNS) Andalay AC panels were installed in the first project of an innovative public/private partnership between the California Department of Community Services and Development and MS Solar Solutions Corp. ("MSSS"), a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley's Commodities group.
The new housing development, a project of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, offers low-income housing to veterans and low-income families. The solar installation began on April 16, and used local installation crews from the Community Action Partnership of Orange County and the Conservation Corps. In less than a day, the Habitat for Humanity volunteers installed four Andalay AC systems on two new duplex homes. The project received praise from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who commended it for its green job creation, worker training processes, and energy efficiency improvements in low-income homes.
"Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is proud to be a part of a project that will create lasting energy savings and positive change for low-income families while creating local job opportunities. It is this type of unique partnership between the state of California, nonprofits and the private sector that will allow hard-working low-income families to have access to clean energy while reducing greenhouse gas and creating a 21st century green economy," said Sharon Ellis, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
This installation is the first project between MSSS and Akeena Solar as part of their recently announced Supply Agreement. MSSS and Akeena Solar have established an exclusive partnership to outfit low-income households throughout the country with new Andalay AC solar panels. Andalay AC panels eliminate the complicated racking, DC wiring and high-voltage components found with ordinary systems, while increasing solar panel production. With 80 percent fewer parts, Andalay AC streamlines the installation process thereby making solar training and installation education more accessible to a growing green workforce.
"This exciting Habitat project demonstrates how the United States can transition to clean energy and create green jobs. Because they are safer and simpler to install, Andalay AC panels are ideally suited for new workers that are trying to transition into solar, or trades people who want to expand their service offerings," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar. "We are excited to be a part of this first project between MS Solar Solutions and the state of California, and we look forward to bringing Andalay AC systems to every sunny rooftop."
The entire 27-unit project will be completed later this year with the first veteran families moving in later this summer. All units will be outfitted with Andalay AC solar panels and should reduce the homeowner's electricity bills by more than 70%.
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 beautiful design. For more information, visit Akeena Solar's website: www.akeena.com.
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