Andalay Solar Awarded Patent on its Core Integrated Solar System Technology

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Andalay Solar WEST, a leading manufacturer of integrated solar power systems, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") granted the company a new patent that covers key aspects of its solar system technology in recognition of the unique and proprietary nature of Andalay's core technology.

The new patent (U.S. No. 8,813,460 B2) issued on August 26, 2014 is both seminal and broad, covering the Andalay solar module frames and more particularly its unique integrated mounting system for solar panels. The patented attributes of the integrated solar system include:

• Providing for a low profile aesthetically pleasing solar system
• A module frame that substitutes for a rail that would otherwise need to have been installed on the roof
• Splices that both connect the solar modules as well as provide for mechanical rigidity and electrical grounding
• Minimal parts count for the solar installation
• Integrated wire management to enable easier and safe installations as well as minimize future electrical issues

"We are proud to have received this patent which recognizes the groundbreaking nature of our technology. Andalay is the first in the residential solar industry to receive a patent for an integrated solar system with an easy to install, rail-less technology that we have seen dramatically reduce parts count by 80% and installation time by 50% over traditional systems," said Steven Chan, CEO of Andalay Solar. "We already have over 100,000 solar panels deployed in solar installations around the world using this technology so we are confident not only that it is a differentiated technology, but also that it has a strong track record of commercial deployment which we intend to continue to grow in the future."

Andalay Solar products can be found at Amazon.com, Lowes.com and www.andalaysolar.com.

About Andalay Solar: WEST

Founded in 2001, the Company is a designer and manufacturer of integrated solar power systems. The Company has been a pioneer in the concept of integrating the racking, wiring and grounding directly into a solar panel. The Company's AC solar panel reduces the number of components for a rooftop solar installation by approximately 80% and lowers labor costs by approximately 50%. This AC panel, which won the 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award, has become the industry's most widely installed AC solar panel. The Company currently sells its new generation "Instant Connect®" products in both AC and DC format which provide the best combination of safety, performance and reliability. For more information on the Company, visit www.andalaysolar.com.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements - Safe Harbor

Statements made in this release that are not historical in nature, including those related to market acceptance of products, 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," "projects," "plans," "will," "may," "can," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. These statements include all statements related to the ability to sell the Company's products and the expected benefits to be derived from the use of the Company's products.  The statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified, and our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date of this press release, and Andalay Solar assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Andalay Solar