GreenEnergyForEarth.com – Alternative Energy News and Green Products

Nov 12, 2008 - Akeena Solar [Nasdaq: AKNS]had a record 3Q 2008 with rapid growth in the commercial sector.  This is good news for any company.  Most reports one sees on CNBC are negative or even if they are not, the companies

are making dire forecasts going forward.  Apparently, Akeena doesn’t’ have a subsidiary in the mortgage business.  Akeena announced the completion of 7 commercial projects with many using the company’s light-weight and nonpenetrating Andalay Flat Roof system.

Recently completed, a 200-panel installation on Creative Label’s rooftop is the largest installation in Gilroy.  Akeena’s 6 other small business installations are scattered throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley, and in total the 7 projects will provide nearly 235 kW of solar power and reduce carbon dioxide by 269 tons/a year:-the equivalent to taking 1,500 cars off the road.  OK, let’s deduct those from the 250 million on the road in the USA.

“Considering the electricity costs associated with running a business and the rebates available, solar is a win-win kind of deal,” said Sandy Frazen, president of Creative Labels, a manufacturer in Gilroy who recently installed the Andalay Flat Roof solar power system.  “We are cutting our electricity bill, and the Andalay Flat Roof system installed quickly and easily, without any disruptions to our business.  My employees and I feel great about the steps we’re taking to be green and energy efficient.  It’s simply the right decision, and the timing is right from a business perspective.”

“Solar fits in perfectly with our mission-we are always trying to teach our members to be good stewards of the earth and to be more efficient with our resources,” said Pastor Randy Pabst of Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino. “Three years ago we wanted to make a move to be more green, and started with small steps.  When we considered the generous rebates available and that we could save around $1,200 a month in energy costs by installing a solar system, it made sense for us to make a big switch.”

Bethel Church‘s 150-panel system will generate 25 kW of solar electricity, and will provide another benefit: a great learning opportunity for the 160 children who attend the church’s school.  And in San Jose, another school is getting on the solar bandwagon.  The Harker School is cutting its electricity bills with the help of the 54-panel, 9 kW system Akeena Solar recently installed.

Commercial solar installations provided the strongest growth for Akeena in the 3Q.  The number of installations doubled compared to the 2Q, and nearly quadrupled when compared to the amount from the same time of last year.  Barack Obama has promised to accelerate the green energy industry so hopefully this growth can continue.  So why was Akeena’s stock down 14% today?  New installations will require credit and capital even with tax credits and long term returns.

“Andalay Flat Roof is quickly proving to be the commercial solar solution for business,” said Steve Daniel, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Akeena Solar. “The light-weight, nonpenetrating panels install quickly and incorporate Andalay solar panels that deliver built-in reliability, resulting in optimum performance.  We’ve minimized both the structural impact and the time spent on the rooftop, making the system perfect for flat-roofed buildings.  And with the rebates currently available to businesses, it makes bottom-line sense for companies to switch to solar.”