BP Solar and OCR Solar & Roofing Working Together For a Greener California

VACAVILLE, Calif., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- OCR Solar & Roofing and BP Solar, a global leader in solar energy, today announced an expanded agreement to provide turn-key solar installations to production homebuilders throughout Northern and Central California. Within the framework of the expanded agreement, valued at over $10 million, OCR Solar & Roofing will receive the exclusive right to offer BP Solar's market-leading EnergyTile roof-integrated solar modules to production homebuilders in Northern and Central California. In addition, OCR Solar & Roofing will also offer BP Solar's low profile Integra(R) framing system for asphalt shingle roofs.

Originally purchasing solar modules under a nonexclusive supply agreement, OCR has seen an increase in its solar revenue by over 300% since offering BP Solar's products, and the company expects the growth rate to more than quadruple in 2008.

"Our agreement with BP Solar is built on a strong relationship which will strengthen the support that we provide to our homebuilder customers," said Aaron Nitzkin, vice president, Solar Division for OCR Solar & Roofing. "It is a great time in California for new home renewable energy solutions, and we plan to aggressively educate homebuilders and consumers this year on
the impact and significance of solar energy."

Unlike most solar providers that just install solar panels, OCR installs both the roofing and solar electric systems. OCR provides this turn-key solution to many of the region's leading homebuilders, including Christopherson Homes, Pinn Brothers Fine Homes, Ponderosa Homes, and Tim Lewis Communities.

"This key relationship with OCR allows us to further our goal of becoming a leading provider of solar electric systems on new homes in California," explained Geoff Slevin, vice president of Sales and Marketing for BP Solar, North America. "We are confident that with our solar expertise and products along with OCR's strong roofing reputation, we will be able to make that happen."

The agreement is designed to support new homebuilders by offering roof-integrated solar electric systems for energy-efficient homes. Benefits to the homeowner include dramatically reduced or even eliminated electric bills, improved comfort, federal tax credits and an aesthetically pleasing roof design.