LOS GATOS, Calif., March 17, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akeena Solar (Nasdaq:AKNS), a leading installer and manufacturer of AC solar power systems, today announced it will provide residential installation services for Lowe's customers in 21 California stores. The announcement comes just a few months after Andalay AC solar panels first hit the shelves as part of Lowe's Energy Center, making them the first grid-connected solar power systems to be sold by a major retailer.
"Akeena Solar has always focused on making solar power easy – and therefore more accessible for customers. Now that homeowners can see Andalay AC solar panels on the shelves at Lowe's, there is even more interest in installing solar for their own homes," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar. "Homeowners now have the option to install a few panels on their own or use Akeena's professional installation services available through Lowe's. Lowe's and Akeena Solar give homeowners the flexibility they need to get reliable solar energy and immediately decrease their electric bills."
Andalay AC panels provide homeowners with reliable, high-performing solar systems. The racking, wiring, grounding and inverters are integrated into the panels, reducing the overall parts count by 80 percent and protecting against performance-threatening breakdowns that could happen with ordinary DC power systems. By using built-in inverters, Andalay AC panels produce up to 25 percent more energy compared to ordinary DC solar panels. Additionally, the Andalay AC panels' modular design allows homeowners to start small. They can purchase a few panels at Lowe's to install now and can easily add on later, unlike DC systems that require a complete redesign when adding panels.
Lowe's launched Energy Centers in 21 California stores in December, giving homeowners a one-stop destination to save energy and money. The Energy Center features products that help homeowners measure their energy use, reduce energy consumption and generate clean energy. The Energy Center will be in additional U.S. and Canadian stores this year.
About Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS)
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. The company is a leading installer of solar power systems and a designer of AC solar panels. Their award-winning Andalay AC solar panels have integrated racking, wiring, grounding and inverters, providing customers with unprecedented reliability, performance and aesthetics. Moreover, since Andalay AC solar panels produce safe household AC power, they are ideal for solar installers, trades workers and do-it-yourselfers. For more information on the company, visit www.akeena.com. Installers can also visit www.andalaysolar.com to learn more about installing Andalay AC solar panels.
The Akeena Solar, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5143
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