LOS GATOS, Calif., Aug. 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- After a successful eight week community program, Akeena Solar (Nasdaq:AKNS), one of the United States' leading solar installers and a preferred solar Installer for Livermore, today announced nearly 30 new homeowners have signed up to go solar. Together, the systems will generate 117 kW of solar electricity and will offset about 280,753 pounds of carbon dioxide a year -- the equivalent of removing 23 cars off the road each year for 30 years.
Based on the program's success, the installer will launch another community program in neighboring Pleasanton to help more Tri-Valley homeowners go solar. The programs will assist neighborhoods take action and make solar energy a reality for families dealing with ever-rising energy costs.
"Watching other communities take action in California inspired us to start our own program -- and with electricity bills skyrocketing and the future of tax credits and rebates questionable, switching to clean, affordable solar power seemed obvious," said Sue Koopman, a Livermore resident whose 2.7 kW system installation was recently completed. "But more importantly, it feels like we are making a difference by purchasing energy that uses the sun, which we have plenty of here in Livermore, and encouraging development of future renewable energy sources."
Started in June and running through July 31, the program provided all homeowners with a community discount in addition to the normal state and federal incentives offered to solar customers. With program discounts, incentives and financing options offered through the Akeena program, Livermore residents can get solar energy at a monthly cost lower than their monthly PG&E bill.
After an exhaustive search to find quality installers, the Livermore Community Program named Akeena Solar a preferred installer for the program. Livermore was especially drawn to Akeena because of its years of experience in residential solar installations and the high quality of its award-winning Andalay solar system. Akeena then educated residents through seminars and worked with homeowners to determine the suitability of their roof for solar, available rebates and how to get started.
"By bringing a community together to go solar, we can educate homeowners one neighborhood at a time and provide them with an extra financial incentive to switch to clean, renewable energy," said Steve Daniel, executive vice president of Akeena Solar. "We are committed to helping city and community programs like Livermore's reach their solar goals, and are excited to replicate the success of this program in neighboring Pleasanton."
The Pleasanton program will kick off August 2 with Akeena Solar hosting the first of several educational seminars at the Pleasanton Senior Center located at 5353 Sunol Boulevard, from 10 am to 11 am. Pleasanton residents can expect the same generous rebates, with an additional $500 discount if they sign up by August 31. Interested homeowners may visit www.gosolarpleasanton.com to learn more.
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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