LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2006--Akeena Solar, Inc. (OTCBB:AKNS) announced today the company has hired Jeff Brown, a leading solar energy integrator and system designer located in Fresno, CA and has commenced operations in Central Valley of California.

Akeena, Brown and Solahart All Valley Energy Systems entered a non-compete agreement assigning Akeena the solar electricity segment and Solahart All Valley Energy Systems the solar pool and solar hot water segments. Akeena will assume Brown's backlog, which may generate revenues of $2 million to $3 million. Additionally, Akeena is allowed and intends to hire Brown's team of ten solar electric employees formerly with Solahart All Valley Energy Systems.

"Akeena has a successful track record of broadening our reach by operating in multiple locations," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar. "Jeff Brown, has developed a stellar reputation and client base that mirrors the Akeena standards and culture. Prior to joining Akeena, Jeff operated the leading solar electric, hot water and pool heating business in the Central Valley as Solahart All Valley Energy Systems owner. Now, Jeff will lead Akeena's Central Valley expansion and will have the support of a multi-state company to assist in fulfilling customer demands and to support our growth. According to the California Energy Commission, Fresno has been experiencing a 70 percent compounded annual growth rate since 2004 of the photovoltaic market segment. We believe demand in the Fresno area will continue to grow, particularly in light of expected continuing escalation of California electric rates."

Akeena will now be ideally located to install solar electric systems in residences and small businesses from a base in Fresno and its surrounding areas. Jeff D. Brown, 44, has 25 years of solar industry experience and will join Akeena as Regional Director, leading the company's expansion initiatives in central California. Brown is on the board of the California Solar Energy Industry Association (CAL SEIA) and has been a leader in the state's solar initiatives.

"I am ecstatic to join the Akeena team, and my colleagues and I look forward to furthering our operations in the Central Valley area," said Brown. "Akeena has developed a successful business model that I believe creates opportunities to increase market share. In addition, I believe in the next two to three years, Akeena's patent-pending proprietary technology will provide additional cost and aesthetic competitive advantages."

Cinnamon concluded, "Akeena will continue to aggressively seek, evaluate and consolidate compelling opportunities to take advantage of the fragmented solar integrator market and drive shareholder value by capitalizing on this growth. As we open more offices, we believe Akeena's strong marketing, consolidated back office operations and greater solar module purchasing power will deliver long-term operational efficiencies."

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 integrators 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 www.akeena.net.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

Akeena Solar

Akeena Solar

Akeena Solar is one of the largest national installers of solar power systems. We install turn-key solar power systems for residential and commercial customers and we take pride in every job we do. Akeena Solar is traded on the OTCBB as AKNS.OB.

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