Kyocera Supplies Solar Modules for Central Arizona’s First All-Solar Housing Developments

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera Solar, Inc. announced today it has partnered with Zacher Homes and American Solar Electric to bring solar electric systems to Central Arizona’s mainstream luxury housing market as a standard feature.

“American Solar Electric is proud to support the development of Zacher’s new communities, featuring Kyocera solar modules, with our local design and construction expertise”

The custom homebuilder’s three new, all-solar, single-family housing developments in north-central Phoenix will feature solar electric systems on each home incorporating state-of-the-art Kyocera solar modules.

“Kyocera Solar is very pleased to partner with Zacher Homes and American Solar Electric on this environmentally friendly residential project,” said Tom Dyer, senior vice president of marketing and government affairs for Kyocera Solar, Inc. “The use of solar electric systems as a new home construction standard is the next step in Kyocera’s environmental commitment to provide solar energy to the world.”

Construction on the three upscale developments – Maryland Lofts, Uptown 802, and The Brownstones on Marlette – began in October 2007 and the first houses at Maryland will be completed in October 2008. Collectively titled the City Series, the developments share similar design themes. Advance sales have officially begun and walk-through viewings will start in July.

Each 1,700-square foot to 3,300-square foot home will feature a 2.0 kilowatt solar electric system using Kyocera’s high-output 205-watt modules. About 3,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity will be generated annually by each system. For homeowners, this translates into an annual energy savings of about $400 at today’s rates ― plus the invaluable peace of mind that comes from using renewable energy. Additional eco-friendly features include concrete block construction, high-efficiency insulation, natural gas heating, energy-saving dual-pane windows, digital thermostats and real-time power meters.

A Fronius IG Personal Display meter will enable homeowners to monitor their own power use, energy output, carbon dioxide offset and “dollars saved” from using solar electric systems installed on the flat foam roofs with reflective coatings.

Each City Series home’s solar electric system will be designed and installed by solar integrator American Solar Electric, also based in Scottsdale, Ariz. “American Solar Electric is proud to support the development of Zacher’s new communities, featuring Kyocera solar modules, with our local design and construction expertise,” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric.

“By incorporating energy conservation and on-site energy generation, the City Series represents a much-needed commitment to high-efficiency homebuilding that homeowners will appreciate for years to come,” Seitz stated.

About Kyocera

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz. and regional sales centers in the U.S., Brazil and Australia, Kyocera Solar, Inc. serves thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyocera Corporation, based in Kyoto, Japan. For more information please visit http://www.kyocerasolar.com.

The Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) is the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera Corporation has become a leading supplier of solar energy systems, telecommunications equipment, laser printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, electronic components and industrial ceramics. In fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, the company’s net sales totaled 1.29 trillion yen (approximately $12.9 billion). For more information please visit http://www.kyocera.com.

Under continuous development since 1975, solar energy products recently became Kyocera’s fastest growing business. By 2011, Kyocera plans to be producing 500 megawatts of solar modules annually ― a “carbon impact” comparable to adding 146 square miles of forest to the Earth every year.