LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2006--Akeena Solar, Inc. (OTCBB:AKNS) and Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) will co-sponsor the "Celebrating Solar Innovation" Wine and Food Pairing Reception on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. as part of the Solar Power 2006 Conference and Expo to be held in San Jose, CA from October 16 - 19.

The Solar Power 2006 Conference and Expo is the largest business-to-business solar event held in the United States and is organized by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Solar Power 2006 attendees who participate in the tasting event will have the opportunity to sample wine from California vintners that have installed solar power systems to run their operations.

"More and more wineries are recognizing both the financial return on investment and the environmental benefits of solar power," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar and President of the California Solar Energy Industry Association. "Those represented at the Solar Power 2006 tasting represent the vanguard of the solar movement in the wine industry."

Do Solar Wines Taste Better?

While it is unlikely that the use of solar power has any direct effect on the flavor of the wine, there is an undeniable impact that comes from drinking wine produced by environmentally responsible vintners. "Do they really taste better -- you'll have to see for yourself," quipped Akeena's Barry Cinnamon.

Wineries participating in this tasting include Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards, Domaine Carneros, Fetzer Vineyards, Grgich Hills Cellar, Hagafen Cellars, Kent Rasmussen Winery, Mount Eden Vineyards, Peju Province Winery and Vino Noceto. Along with the featured wines, recommended food pairings will be available to quench attendees' appetites along with their thirst.

"This fun event will be a chance for Applied Materials to meet with customers from around the solar industry and to further demonstrate our capabilities," said Charles Gay, VP of Solar Business Group. "These wineries are showing that commercially, solar power not only makes sense, but brings a strong marketing value as well."

About Applied Materials

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in nanomanufacturing technology(TM) solutions for the electronics industry with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products. At Applied Materials, we apply nanomanufacturing technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

About Akeena Solar, Inc.

Founded in 2001, Akeena Solar's (OTCBB:AKNS) 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.

Safe Harbor

Statements made in this release, that are not historical in nature, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "plans" "will," "may," "anticipates," believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, the effectiveness, profitability, and marketability of such products, the ability to protect proprietary information, the impact of current, pending, or future legislation and regulation on the industry, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of general economic and business conditions. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date of this press release, and Akeena Solar assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking
statements.

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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