TORONTO, July 7, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highland Solar, the exclusive Canadian distributor for Westinghouse Solar, today announced it has sold 150kW of solar panels in June alone now that the Ontario Power Authority has steadily increased its pace in approving applications for its Feed-In Tariff ("FIT") program.
Solar power systems from Westinghouse Solar - a new company formed through a partnership between Akeena Solar (Nasdaq:AKNS) and Westinghouse Electric Corporation - are proving to be one of the most sought after panels for Ontario homeowners.
"Solar power is providing homeowners with a secure investment in their future both from a financial and environmental perspective," said Highland Solar President, Sean McCrae. "Westinghouse Solar Power Systems make it easy for homeowners to go solar by offering the reliable, high performance technology they want from a company they know and trust."
Ontario's Power Authority (OPA) recently launched a Feed-in Tariff Program to create incentives for renewable energy in Ontario. With this program, the OPA is working to encourage the development of clean energy projects under 10kW across the province. Owners of these projects will be paid a fixed price for the electricity they produce over the 20 year term of the contract. This fixed price, currently at $0.802 per kWh, is set at a level intended to enable project owners to recover the costs of the projects with a reasonable rate of return.
"Canada's commitment to solar, particularly through Ontario's clean energy incentive program, is creating a strong market for solar," said Barry Cinnamon, Westinghouse Solar CEO. "Through our distribution agreement with Highland Solar, our reliable, high-performance Westinghouse Solar Power Systems give Ontario homeowners the opportunity to take control of their electrical bills."
The technology within the Westinghouse Solar Power System has been widely recognized for its performance and reliability including being named a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Product of the year. The panels are available for purchase in the United States through Westinghouse Solar, Westinghouse Solar's Authorized Dealer network, or in select Lowe's home improvement stores. For more information, visit www.WestinghouseSolar.com.
Highland Solar operates a training facility and has provided solar installation training to more than 250 certified installers across Ontario, Canada to date. Westinghouse Solar Authorized Dealers in Ontario can offer homeowners a return on investment of 8 - 12% or the option of "no money down." Highland Solar is also the licensed manufacturer of Westinghouse Solar's mounting system and produces these components in Ontario, qualifying this system for the Ontario FIT program. For more information on Highland Solar, visit http: www.highlandsolar.ca.
About Akeena Solar
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 nation's leading installers and manufacturers of solar power systems. Akeena Solar's award winning solar panels are now being sold under the Westinghouse Solar brand. Westinghouse Solar Power Systems are safer, more powerful and more reliable than any others, while backed by the proven quality of the Westinghouse name. For more information on Akeena Solar, visit www.akeena.com. For more information on Westinghouse Solar, visit www.westinghousesolar.com.
The Akeena Solar, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5143
The Westinghouse Solar logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7708
About Highland Solar
Highland Solar, a division of Highland Logic Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Westinghouse Solar in Canada. Highland Solar is also the licensed manufacturer of Westinghouse Solar's mounting system. They are based in the Greater Toronto Area and have warehousing and distribution capability across Canada. Highland Solar does not install systems nor sell directly to the public. Solar installers and dealers interested in their products may sign up as Partners at www.highlandsolar.ca.
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