American Solar Inc. Wins Contract to Provide Solar Energy Systems to the Pentagon

Annandale, VA—American Solar Inc. (ASI) announced today that it received a contract from the local utility company to provide the Pentagon facility with several solar thermal systems. Under this agreement, ASI will develop systems to provide solar heat to two auxiliary buildings on the grounds of the Pentagon Heating and Refrigeration Plant. The contract authorizes ASI to construct systems, using the company's patented solar tile system, to heat the loading dock of one building and an emergency generator. John Archibald, President American Solar, Inc. made the announcement.

Currently the Pentagon Plant uses natural gas space heaters to heat the loading dock. During cold weather, Pentagon staff reports extremely cold conditions on the loading dock despite the installation of dock curtains. The existing system at the loading dock is also inefficient as it exhausts 25% of the energy from the natural gas up the exhaust stacks, with no contribution to heating of the space. ASI's system will efficiently deliver warm solar heated air directly to the working area around the doors.

The emergency diesel generator provides standby power to maintain industrial heating in the building. As is typical in the industry, the Pentagon presently heats its emergency diesel generators (located outdoors) with expensive electric resistance heat. In contrast, ASI's solar heated tiles use the sun's energy to provide much of the heat required by the generator. ASI's system reduces the cost of heating the generator by about 50%.

"We're pleased to help create a more comfortable work environment for the workers on the loading dock," said Archibald. "Our daytime heating and night time heat storage system will provide a more comfortable source of heat during all working hours."

American Solar, Inc. manufactures a new (patent-protected) solar heating system. This system produces heat at lower cost than most oil, gas, electric, and solar power sources. The company's systems cost-effectively gather large amounts of solar heated air from an attractive tile roof. With these innovative technologies, customers can use solar energy in several new ways. Customers with applications that require year round energy loads and that use high-cost heating sources benefit the most. By purchasing ASI's products, commercial, government and institutional facilities receive dependable, continuous and cost-effective energy.

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For further information, visit American Solar's Web site: www.americansolar.com or contact ASI at 703-425-0923 or by email at info@americansolar.com.