Phoenix Solar Installs Solar on Carport and Rooftop At a Senior Housing Development in Tempe, Arizona

TEMPE, Arizona and SAN RAMON, California, March 13 2012 — Phoenix Solar Inc. today announced it has completed construction of a solar power plant installation on a rooftop and a carport at a senior housing development near downtown Tempe, Arizona.

The housing complex, called “Encore on Farmer,” represents the first phase of a plan to develop an eco-friendly mixed-use real estate development called “Farmer Arts District” on eight acres near downtown Tempe. The pedestrian and bike-friendly community is expected to incorporate energy-efficient building materials and solar power plants as standard features wherever possible, according to the project’s Arizona-based real estate developer Urban Development Partners.

The solar system installed at “Encore on Farmer” will generate over 60,000 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per year and is expected to provide up to 75 percent of the energy required to power the common areas, including elevators, street lights and parking lot lighting. During peak periods, the solar system is expected to generate excess electricity that will feed back to the Arizona Public Service utility.

At the request of Urban Development Partners, Phoenix Solar installed a web-enabled box in the building lobby to display data graphs on a nearby video monitor to showcase the real-time energy savings achieved by using solar power. “People won’t necessarily see solar modules on the roof but, by viewing the monitor, they will see with their own eyes that solar power is a viable and sustainable source of renewable energy,“ said Todd Marshall, Principal of Urban Development Partners. “Seeing the real-time display will increase awareness and give building residents a sense of pride knowing that they are being energy efficient and contributing to a lower carbon footprint.”

In commenting on why Urban Development Partners chose Phoenix Solar to design and build the solar power facility, Mr. Marshall said, “After considering a number of different options, we selected Phoenix Solar based on the depth of their systems knowledge and their willingness to develop a custom solar plant whose footprint is scalable and cost-efficient.”

Pete Beucke, Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Solar Inc., said, “We are excited to partner with Urban Development Partners and help spread the word about the benefits of solar power.” Noting that Phoenix Solar has a team of solar industry professionals located in the Phoenix metro area, Mr. Beucke said. ”We are committed to Arizona and look forward to adding to our presence over time in the Grand Canyon State.”

About Phoenix Solar
Founded in 1999, Phoenix Solar is a global leader in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic power plants, having installed or sold more than one gigawatt of capacity. The company's technology-neutral approach allows us to objectively provide the best solar solutions for our customers. Phoenix Solar Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Solar AG, headquartered in Sulzemoos, Germany (www.phoenixsolar-group.com). For more information about Phoenix Solar Inc., please visit www.phoenixsolar.com.

About Urban Development Partners
Urban Development Partners was founded with a passion for infill development and the belief that urban redevelopment is both an opportunity and a responsibility to create a diverse and sustainable community. Through depth and diversity of experience, UDP is uniquely positioned to solve difficult problems and create opportunities amid the turmoil of today's real estate environment. Our approach to asset evaluation is based on site-specific conditions which allow us to provide solutions tailored to meet the challenges of individual needs within a specified investment horizon.

About Farmer Arts District
The master plan for “Farmer Arts District” – formerly an industrial site -- calls for the development of a community with a diversity of housing options and various commercial and retail enterprises. The pedestrian-oriented environment utilizes an enhanced streetscape, and a linear park will be built to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to connect to a nearby light rail train station, Arizona State University, a recreational lake and other amenities.

Media contact:
Bruce Entin
Phoenix Solar Inc.
[email protected]
Direct: 925-659-3715