Suntech to Deliver 10 to 14 MW of Akeena Solar's New Andalay Solar Panels
LOS GATOS, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), one of the world's leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, today announced that Suntech has signed a letter of intent to manufacture Akeena Solar's Andalay solar panels. Under the terms of the agreement, Suntech will manufacture and deliver 10 to 14 Megawatts of Andalay solar panels to Akeena Solar during 2008.
Andalay is the brand name for Akeena Solar's patent-pending high performance solar panel systems. Unlike ordinary solar panels, Andalay panels feature built-in wiring, built-in grounding and built-in racking so the panels attach directly to the roof offering a smooth, flushed appearance. Andalay is the logical next step in the evolution of solar power technology, combining superior aesthetics with unparalleled reliability.
"Our engineers re-thought the concept of a solar panel so that the panels can be manufactured from the start to simplify installation, improve reliability and look like a glass skylight on the roof," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar, Inc. "We are proud to have Suntech as our manufacturing partner. And the improvements are not just in appearance and reliability; with Andalay we expect to reduce rooftop installation time by over 50 percent, requiring 70 percent fewer parts and 25 percent fewer rooftop attachment points."
"We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Akeena Solar, in the manufacturing of Andalay", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO. "Our ability to manufacture an aesthetically pleasing and unique module such as Andalay demonstrates the traction that we have gained by combining the core competence of Suntech's manufacturing skills with our MSK division's building integrated PV (BIPV) design skills. We believe Andalay will clearly deliver an attractive and reliable solution to end-users, while providing system integrators with a solution that can be installed faster and ultimately result in lower install costs than ordinary systems."
Andalay will be introduced at a press conference just prior to the opening reception of Solar Power 2007. Andalay panels are available from Akeena now, and will be available to select solar industry partners in 2008.
Suntech will display its full range of products available in the U.S. at the Solar Power 2007 Conference and Expo being held in Long Beach, CA. For additional information, visit the Suntech exhibit booth in Hall B, Booth 364 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.
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 installer of residential and small commercial solar power systems in the United States, serving customers directly in California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit Akeena Solar's website at http://www.akeena.net.
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. is a leading solar energy company in the world as measured by both production output and capacity of solar cells and modules. Suntech provides solar solutions for a green future. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a variety of high quality, cost effective and environmentally friendly PV cells and modules for electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility sectors. Suntech's majority-owned subsidiary, MSK Corporation is one of the top-ranked companies in the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) space. Suntech's customers are located in various markets worldwide, including key markets throughout Europe, North America, Japan and China. For more information, please visit http://www.suntech-power.com.
Suntech America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., with responsibility for the distribution of Suntech products in the Americas. For more information contact Roger Efird, tel: +1 (301) 774-3430 or email: sales@suntechamerica.com.
