FRESNO, Calif., June 24, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akeena Solar (Nasdaq:AKNS), one of the nation's leading designers, installers and distributors of solar energy systems, today announced the completion of a 660-kilowatt installation on the California Air National Guard base in Fresno, Calif., home to the 144th Fighter Wing. The 3,819 panels that compose the system were installed on top of three newly constructed carports built by Colorado-based MCC Construction and will generate enough electricity to supply one-third of the total power used at the base.
"This is a huge accomplishment for the wing and the entire California National Guard," said Col. Jon Flaugher, commander 144th Fighter Wing. "Our civil engineers and environmental office have worked tirelessly to ensure our commitment to a greener and more cost-effective way to do business especially during these current economic times."
"The California National Guard has long been dedicated to implementing energy-efficient and cost-effective technologies that promote energy security throughout the state and around the nation," he continued. "This solar energy system is a hybrid of those two goals; in addition to benefiting from a predictable, secure supply of solar electricity, this project also demonstrates our nation's goals for energy independence and a cleaner environment for all."
The installation, which is the first of its kind on a National Guard base in California, was built in three phases that were each completed ahead of schedule and within budget. The wing has submitted paperwork through the California Solar Initiative to receive an estimated $1.1 million rebate for the project's environmental impact. The energy generated by the system is expected to result in more than $100,000 in annual savings for the base and reduce carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tons.
"As the largest consumer of energy in the United States, the military is an ideal role model to promote innovative approaches to energy use and solar technology," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar. "As the military continuously looks for ways to modernize, this installation will stand out as a benchmark project that provides both a solid investment of public funds and clean, renewable solar power."
"MCC integrates its 23 years of government design-build project experience with their newest technological advancements in facilities," said Norm Kaus, president of MCC Construction. "The addition of Akeena Solar to the project team, as a veteran of the solar industry and a knowledgeable solar partner, was essential to allowing us to deliver on time and on target with significant return on investment for the military."
The project's completion comes on the heels of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). ARRA includes approximately $7.4 billion in defense-related appropriation for infrastructure investment, including upgrades to thousands of buildings, energy-related improvements, new building construction and energy conservation initiatives.
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 MCC Construction:
Since 1986, MCC has developed a long, successful history as one of the most experienced IDIQ contractors in the country, having performed more than $500,000,000 in construction work on more than 85 multi-year contracts with various government agencies. By involving MCC Construction from the beginning customers take advantage of our experience and dedication. Our customers recognize that we have consistently delivered projects on time and under budget based on our principles of quality and integrity. This has brought us our greatest reward: Customer loyalty. We strive to build a close partnership with our customers; one that extends past the current project and on to the next.