mar1708

LOS GATOS, Calif., Mar 17, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Akeena Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, today announced the installation of an Akeena solar-panel system on Lafitte Cork & Capsule - USA's Napa Valley facility. The system currently generates all of the electrical energy onsite.

"With several wine industry installations already under our belt, we were able to offer a knowledge base that's hard to find within the solar marketplace," said Barry Cinnamon, Akeena Solar CEO. "We've helped the wine industry across Northern California achieve its solar objectives and are dedicated to continuing those efforts." Akeena Solar completed its first wine industry installation in 2003 and has continued to serve the growing green initiatives of the wine industry, with four winery projects last quarter alone. Specializing in the design and installation of high-performance solar power systems, Akeena Solar serves small and medium size commercial and residential customers across the United States.

Lafitte is the first cork producer in California to go solar. The installation of 262 solar panels will generate enough clean energy to eliminate the production of more than 1.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide, 1,305 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 384 pounds of sulfur dioxide over its 30-year life. The solar system can be monitored in real-time at the Lafitte Web site, www.lafitte-usa.com.

"Akeena's long-standing commitment to providing solar to the wine industry coupled with its expertise in the field made the company a natural choice for us," said the President and General Manager of Lafitte David Hanson-Jerrard. "Converting to solar energy has long been a part of Lafitte's goal of lowering our impact on the planet and furthering our green philosophy. Akeena Solar's dedicated service, superior performance and business practice have helped make this installation a success."

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 installers of residential and commercial solar power systems in the United States. The company's new integrated solar panel system, Andalay, is the only solar panel system with integrated racking, wiring and grounding. Andalay panels offer unprecedented reliability, performance and aesthetics. For more information, visit Akeena Solar's website at www.akeena.com.

About Lafitte Cork & Capsule - USA

Lafitte Cork & Capsule - USA is celebrating 25 years in Napa Valley as supplier of premium cork to wineries across North America. As one of the founding members of the CQC (Cork Quality Council) and progressive community leader in the US wine industry, we talk everyday about our commitment to the quality of natural cork - the ideal and honestly sustainable solution in wine closure products.

For more information on Lafitte Cork and Capsule - USA and their transformation to alternate energy visit www.lafitte-usa.com, where you can view real time data detailing the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels, as well as the positive environmental impact the system has had to date.

SOURCE: Akeena Solar, Inc.

Akeena Solar, Inc.
Jose Tengco, 408-402-9400
jtengco@akeena.com
or
Antenna Group Public Relations
Whitney Phaneuf, 415-977-1916
whitney@antennagroup.com