Akeena Solar, the Californian installer and manufacturer of solar panels, has secured an exclusive deal to use the Westinghouse brand for its products.

The company said the recognized brand would help its solar panels break into the mainstream.

Already on sale in retailers including Lowe’s (see this BrighterEnergy.org story), Akeena’s Andalay solar panels will now become known to consumers as Westinghouse Solar panels.

The deal covers use of the Westinghouse name worldwide.

Akeena Solar which is based in Los Gatos, California, said solar purchasers were no longer only the early adopters, but now included mainstream consumers. But, it said a lack of brand recognition could “derail” buyers.

Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar, said: “Since the beginning, we’ve worked consistently to make solar more mainstream. We began as a rooftop installer. We then designed our own easy-to-install solar panels that gave customers superior reliability and aesthetics. We improved our design by manufacturing higher-performance AC panels, and built a dealer network that has grown to more than 25 states and Canada. We then partnered with Lowe’s Home Improvement stores for installation services, along with the first do-it-yourself solar panels stocked on retail shelves.

“Now, with the exclusive rights to the Westinghouse Solar brand, we look forward to accelerated growth without large up-front brand investments,” explained Mr Cinnamon.

Westinghouse

The Westinghouse Electric Corporation was founded in 1886, helping turn the world’s electricity grid into an Alternating Current system.

Akeena’s solar panels produce alternating current power, which it says produce up to 25% more energy than ordinary Direct Current panels.

James F Davis, vice president at Westinghouse Electric Corp, said: “We approached Akeena when our research indicated their integrated solar-panel technology could help make solar mainstream. Akeena’s safe and reliable AC solar panels are a perfect complement with Westinghouse’s heritage.

“We are pleased to introduce Westinghouse Solar as the newest member of the exclusive Westinghouse family.”

Akeena’s wholly-owned subsidiary Andalay Solar is being renamed Westinghouse Solar, with Akeena and its authorized dealers – including Lowe’s Home Improvement stores – given exclusive rights to install Westinghouse Solar panels.