Andalay AC Solar Panels Systems Now Available on Amazon.com

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Andalay Solar, Inc. (OTCQB: WEST), a leading manufacturer of integrated solar power systems, announced that for the first time, homeowners anywhere in the United States can now purchase Andalay Solar's high-performing, easy-to-install solar panels online at Amazon.com.

"Andalay Solar has already made the installation of residential solar systems very easy with our AC solar system kits that contain all the key parts needed to install a home solar system. We want to make the purchase similarly easy through Amazon.com where any homeowner could buy our solar system kits," said Steven Chan, CEO of Andalay Solar. "The availability of solar panels on Amazon.com makes it easy for the end user to go solar either by self-installing or hiring a contractor to install for them. We have already had success with our current retail sales channel via Lowes.com and are excited to build upon that with the addition of Amazon.com, which we believe will make easy-to-install solar available to an even wider range of consumers in the US."

With a 60% annual growth of residential solar power system installations in the US in 2013, the move to sell on Amazon particularly targets the do-it-yourself market. Andalay Solar offers grid-tied AC solar system kits either with 4 panels or with 1, making it quick and easy for go-getting DIYers to customize the size of their solar power system by simply purchasing then tying together the amount of kits necessary to fit their roofs. Furthermore, Andalay's kits allow for DIYers to install a renewable energy system at a lower cost than a third-party installer.

Breakthrough Andalay AC Panels are Safer, More Reliable and Simpler to Install

Traditional solar systems use DC voltage outputs, which means that the installation process requires not only a complicated racking system to secure the panels to the rooftop, but also meticulous wiring and grounding to connect panels and generate high DC voltages. These high DC voltages are then directed down from the rooftops to an inverter that transforms the DC output to the standard AC current used in homes and in commercial buildings.

With its unique plug-and-play feature that boasts integrated racking, wiring, and grounding, Andalay AC solar systems simplify and expedite the installation process by reducing the overall parts count by 80%. In addition, Andalay AC systems produce 5 to 25% more energy output than do ordinary DC ones. Without compromising performance, a built-in inverter produces household AC power, eliminating the need for high-voltage DC wiring and subsequently the concerns about safety issues regarding high-voltage DC systems.

Because of the modular design of Andalay AC systems, homeowners can choose to install a few panels now and gradually add on later, unlike with DC systems that require complete redesign when adding panels. Electricians, HVAC contractors and experienced do-it-yourselfers can install an efficient solar power system without specialized training.

This integrated plug-and-play solar solution provided by Andalay's AC solar system saves both install time and long-term operations and maintenance costs. Now, they are even more accessible online at Amazon.com with free shipping.

About Andalay Solar: (OTCQB: WEST)

Founded in 2001, the Company is a designer and manufacturer of integrated solar power systems. In 2007, the Company pioneered the concept of integrating the racking, wiring and grounding directly into the DC solar panel. This revolutionary solar panel, branded "Andalay", quickly won industry acclaim. In 2009, the Company again broke new ground with the first integrated AC solar panel, reducing the number of components for a rooftop solar installation by approximately 80 percent and lowering labor costs by approximately 50 percent. This AC panel, which won the 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award, has become the industry's most widely installed AC solar panel. A new generation of products named "Instant Connect®" was introduced in 2012. In 2014, the Company brought back the fully integrated DC solar panels. Unlike ordinary DC solar panels, the "Instant Connect®" DC panels comes built-in wiring which means no dangling wires to damage over time. Award-winning Andalay Solar DC or AC Powered Systems 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 expected sales of the Company's pre-packaged solar panel systems on Amazon.com and growth in market acceptance of the Company's new generation of "Instant Connect" 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. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with our ability to successfully market our solar panel systems to DIY consumers on Amazon.com, the ability of our suppliers to continue to fulfill our product orders, our ability to successfully attract, retain and transition key personnel, our ability to continue to receive investment funding and maintain costs and expenses, the effectiveness, profitability, and marketability of our products, our ability to protect proprietary rights and information, the impact of current, pending, or future legislation, regulation and incentive programs on the solar power industry, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, our ability to identify and successfully acquire and grow distribution customers, and 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 Andalay Solar assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Andalay Solar, Inc.