SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolarCity (Nasdaq:SCTY), the nation's #1 solar power provider, unveiled ZS Beam, a new product that allows solar panels to be attached to parking lot shading structures faster, more safely and at a lower cost than was previously possible. The newest product in SolarCity's Zep Solar line should make it possible for more businesses, schools and government organizations to build carport structures that create shaded parking and also provide solar electricity at a lower rate than electricity from their utility companies. SolarCity expects ZS Beam to significantly reduce the construction cost associated with solar carports, and SolarCity is introducing the product at a time when U.S. solar carport construction is expected to grow dramatically. A recent report from GTM Research forecasts U.S. solar carports to grow from a projected 180.2 megawatts of annual installed capacity in 2014 to a projected 317.9 megawatts in 2016; a 76 percent increase in two years.
ZS Beam uses a special clamp that locks solar panels onto carport or canopy structures. While many solar carport systems require panels to be installed from above, ZS Beam clamps allow solar panels to be connected to the support structure from below, improving safety and increasing installation speed.
ZS Beam further improves safety and increases speed by automatically creating an electrical ground connection when attaching the panels, and by eliminating the multiple loose fasteners and hardware required by conventional carport systems. As with all products in the Zep Solar line, ZS Beam also significantly improves aesthetics by seamlessly connecting panels into a single plane.
The carport system can pair effectively with SolarCity's ZS Peak; SolarCity's lightweight, "snap together" mounting system for commercial flat roofs that can significantly increase the number of panels that can be installed on each roof. Together, ZS Peak and ZS Beam will make it possible for more businesses, schools and other organizations to install solar power generation on their buildings and parking lots and immediately pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power. Businesses and other organizations interested in SolarCity's services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation.
About SolarCity
SolarCity® (Nasdaq:SCTY) provides clean energy. The company has disrupted the century-old energy industry by providing renewable electricity directly to homeowners, businesses and government organizations for less than they spend on utility bills. SolarCity gives customers control of their energy costs to protect them from rising rates. The company makes solar energy easy by taking care of everything from design and permitting to monitoring and maintenance. SolarCity currently serves 15 states and signs up a new customer every minute of the work day. Visit the company online at www.solarcity.com and follow the company on Facebook & Twitter.
This release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding installation speed, costs, addressable markets and customer impacts. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward looking statements. You should read the section entitled "Risk Factors" in SolarCity's quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and identifies certain of these and additional risks and uncertainties. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.