| | New Program Aims to Speed Adoption without Significant Up-Front Cost
San Diego, April 13, 2009 – Applied Solar, Inc. (OTC BB: APSO.OB), a leading developer of solar energy solutions, today announced the launch of its Solar Communities™ program in San Diego County. The program, which is being kicked off with a series of open house events, aims to expedite the number of homes utilizing clean solar energy by overcoming two of the most common obstacles to solar adoption: cost and aesthetics. While Americans are increasingly interested in utilizing renewable energy applications in their homes, many are hesitant to make an investment in rooftop solar panels due to the high upfront costs, which can run tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, while state rebates and federal tax incentives have the potential to significantly defray the cost of solar power, many homeowners are unable to take full advantage of these incentives. Applied Solar intends to change this.
“While it is true that now, more than ever, Americans are concerned about the environmental impact of their actions, they are also keenly focused on controlling their monthly household expenses,” said David Field, president and CEO of Applied Solar. “Any proposition to switch to solar power must also entail a way to save on household costs in the near term. If we are able to bring the payback period for solar down to three or four years versus the traditional 10 years, it makes a lot more financial sense for consumers.” Through Applied Solar’s Solar Communities™ program, a new financing tool is available for San Diego County homeowners patterned after the highly successful model utilized in the commercial sector for the last several years – power purchase agreements (PPAs). PPAs first hit the San Diego residential market in 2008, but were only available for the conventional rack-mounted solar panels that many homeowners – and homeowner associations – often rejected as unsightly.
With the Solar Communities™ program, PPAs are now available for the first time on more aesthetically pleasing, premium “building integrated” solar tiles. These innovative systems blend into the color and texture of the roof surface for a clean, seamless look not previously associated with solar panels. The solar tiles, available in brown, slate gray and terracotta to match various roof styles, were developed by Applied Solar and are manufactured by Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world’s largest solar module producer, to ensure the highest quality and reliability. Many of the nation’s top builders – including Toll Brothers, Pulte, Centex and William Lyons – utilize SolarBlend™ solar tiles on account of their efficiency, reliability and visual appeal.
How It Works
Step One: The Solar Communities™ program representatives identify the solar energy system best suited for the needs of the particular homeowner. The system should be sized for optimal energy savings, by shaving off the most expensive Tier 3 and Tier 4 energy purchases, which often represent 60 percent or more of the typical San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customer’s annual bill.
Step Two: The homeowner signs a PPA and pays only a portion of the upfront cost, which is typically about $2,000-$3,000 for a 2kW system, as opposed to the $20,000 or more the system would cost to purchase outright.
Step Three: The solar power system is installed, along with a free EcoTouch™ Energy Management System, valued at over $1,200. The EcoTouch™ System features a touch-screen wall display panel that allows families to monitor and control their home’s energy usage in real time in order to optimize their energy usage and further increase savings.
Step Four: The homeowner purchases the energy generated by the solar power system at prices locked in below those of SDG&E, saving up to 20 percent on electricity costs.
Step Five: Applied Solar or an affiliate is responsible for all long-term operation and maintenance of the solar energy system, and the homeowner enjoys long-term affordable, reliable solar energy.
San Diego Community Outreach
Applied Solar has partnered with San Diego-based Patriot Roofing and solar integrator Clean Power Systems to execute the initial Solar Communities™ installations in San Diego County. An earlier version of the Solar Communities™ program was rolled out in 2008 for new construction of multi-family communities, and the first large-scale application was the new Pacific Station mixed-use development by John DeWald & Associates, currently under construction in downtown Encinitas, California. While still available for new construction, the Solar Communities™ program has now been expanded to offer affordable, attractive solar power to existing homes, which can benefit a much larger portion of the region’s residents.
If a homeowner is in need of a new roof, there is another opportunity for meaningful savings. Instead of re- roofing with traditional tiles, the Solar Communities™ program can provide a seamless combination of tile and solar panels. Homeowners, who only pay for the regular tile portion of the new roof, can save on their re-roofing costs – effectively lowering the solar cost even further.
“Partnering with a respected roofing company like Patriot provides an efficient, streamlined approach to converting more homes to solar energy,” said Field. “We are working with the same skilled tradesmen who built thousands of beautiful homes in the San Diego area to now install and maintain solar energy systems. In the process, we are creating a whole new class of workers trained in the clean tech jobs of the future. It’s a win-win formula for all involved.”
“The market for rooftop solar is dramatically different than it was a few short years ago when homeowners could easily tap into their home equity to make improvements to their house,” added Field. “New financing options are essential in order for clean power to continue to advance during the economic downturn. With Solar Communities™, our company accepts the majority of financial risk, which makes it much easier for consumers to do the right thing not only for their families, but also for the planet
About Applied Solar
Applied Solar, Inc. is a next-generation solar energy company that develops solar energy solutions, innovative solar products and energy management applications. Applied Solar’s award-winning products include proprietary, cost-competitive and attractive BIPV solar tiles, membranes and asphalt/composition products. In addition, the EcoTouch™ Energy Management System gives consumers control over their energy usage while saving money. Applied Solar’s portfolio of products and services is coupled with innovative financing to enable green Solar Communities™ that provide low-cost power with little to no up front cost to the consumer. Applied Solar, Inc. is headquartered in San Diego California.
or by calling 877- SOLRCOM (877-765-7266).
Applied Solar Investor Relations Contact: Chris Witty Darrow Associates, Inc. cwitty@darrowir.com 646.438.9385
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