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American Solar Electric Partners with KYOCERA and other Leading Component Manufacturers to Donate Solar Electric Systems to Habitat for Humanity

Scottsdale, AZ, May 14, 2009 – Five families participating in Habitat for Humanity’s new homeowner program will be moving into solar-powered homes this year as a result of an industry partnership coordinated by American Solar Electric. The solar electric systems are being donated by American Solar Electric to Habitat for Humanity as part of the company’s 2009 Community Outreach Program.

The systems will range in size from 2.73 to 3.15 kilowatts and are comprised of Kyocera high output 210-watt photovoltaic (PV) modules and high-efficiency Fronius IG and IG+ inverters. Electricity generated by the solar electric systems will be used to offset utility power, thereby reducing the cost of electricity for the new homeowners. The systems are forecasted to produce between 4,700 and 5,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity in their first year of production.

“Even as our local economy has slowed, the local solar industry has continued to boom,” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric.  “Thanks to our continued success and the contributions made by our employees and industry partners, we’ve been able to increase the number of solar projects we donate to Habitat for Humanity from two in 2008 to five in 2009.”

“Solar systems are not only a great source of clean energy but they significantly lower monthly electricity bills as well,” said U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell. “At a time when many people are struggling economically, Habitat for Humanity’s energy efficient homes will help insulate these families from rising energy costs.”   

In addition to American Solar Electric’s donation of system components, employees of American Solar Electric and Kyocera are donating their time and expertise to install the systems. Additionally, Fronius has agreed to supply high-efficiency inverters for the projects at discounted prices.

“The partnership with American Solar Electric has a significant impact on Habitat’s ability to build affordable homes. We appreciate American Solar’s commitment to renewable energy and to the families we serve,” said Roger Schwierjohn, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona.

“We, at Kyocera, are pleased that our employees are volunteering their   time to help Habitat for Humanity improve the human condition and the environment by installing pollution-free solar energy on homes,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.   

“Fronius is excited to be a part of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to create sustainable affordable housing,” said Gord Petroski, Director, Fronius USA, Solar Division.  “Long-term planning is a core value at Fronius, and we are proud our inverters will be a part of the systems that will help keep these homes affordable into the future.”

It is the goal of Habitat for Humanity to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification on all five homes. One of the homes will be featured as part of the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo coming to Phoenix on November 11-13. This featured home has been designed to be a ‘net zero energy’ home; meaning the energy generated with renewable resources is as much energy as the homeowners would use on a net annual basis. Three homes are expected to be completed in the spring with two more this fall.

Solar Electric panels will be installed at one of the Habitat for Humanity homes on Saturday, May 16^th. Address and directions will be available upon request.

American Solar Electric, Inc. is an Arizona-based design-build firm specializing in photovoltaic (solar electric) power systems for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Headquartered in Scottsdale, the company is responsible for the installation of more than 5 megawatts of photovoltaic power in Arizona, statewide. American Solar Electric’s approach includes system design, permitting, procurement, installation, interconnection, and commissioning. Additional information on the company’s products and services is available on-line at http://www.americanpv.com.

About Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona: Serving Central Arizona since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (HFHCAZ) is a grassroots Christian housing organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by building affordable housing. Habitat helps families of low and moderate incomes become homeowners. HFHCAZ also builds community partnerships that promote spiritual values and individual responsibility. Since its inception in 1985, the Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona affiliate is one of the most active of the Habitat affiliates and is responsible for the building of more than 703 new homes. Currently the affiliate is active in Apache Junction, Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix and Surprise. Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Georgia, is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat International will be soon be dedicating its 300,000th house and has over one million people living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. Visit our website, http://www.habitataz.org.

Kyocera Solar, Inc.  (http://www.kyocerasolar.com) is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz. and regional sales centers in the U.S., Brazil and Australia, Kyocera Solar, Inc. serves thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera Corporation has become a leading supplier of solar energy systems, telecommunications equipment, laser printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, electronic components and industrial ceramics. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, the company’s net sales totaled 1.29 trillion yen (approximately $12.9 billion). For more information, please visit http://www.kyocera.com.