SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., March 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When the Emmy Award-winning hit reality TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was looking to build the ultimate green home for a deserving family in San Bernardino, they chose the high performing, sleek and beautiful design of Andalay solar panels distributed by leading solar designer and installer Akeena Solar (Nasdaq:AKNS). This Sunday, March 29, watch with the rest of America as Ty Pennington, the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" crews, and Akeena roll up their sleeves to build an energy efficient home.
The energy efficient green home is a perfect fit for the Almquist family, who are local heroes in San Bernardino County for their dedication to caring for wildlife and providing a rescue sanctuary called Forever Wild (www.4everwild.org). The sanctuary houses abused or neglected exotic animals, such as Mexican beaded lizards, parrots, alligators and Siberian lynxes.
This Sunday's episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" features many green and sustainable building elements, the centerpiece being a 24-panel, 5 kW Andalay solar system. Long after the building crews have left, the donated system worth nearly $40,000 will continue to give back to the Almquist family and the community, drastically reducing their electricity bills and decreasing carbon emissions by 10,000 pounds -- or the equivalent of planting more than 115 trees.
What: Akeena Solar donates their award-winning Andalay solar panels to the green edition of the hit reality TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
Who: Akeena Solar's team of volunteer installers. Joining the team onset was Linda Panitz, the winner of an Akeena-sponsored contest that awarded one solar enthusiast with a trip to San Bernardino to see the Andalay solar system installed.
When: Sunday, March 29, at 8/7 pm Central
Where: Local ABC channels
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.
The Akeena Solar Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5143
About "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is entering its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Dominici is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The show airs on Sundays (8:00-9:00 EST), on the ABC Television Network.
Photography is available at www.abcmedianet.com or at (818) 460-6611.