Cloud-based commerce platform for solar industry among 20 semi-finalists

MENLO PARK, California – October 2, 2013 – Solar Exchange announced today it has been chosen to participate in Start-Up Alley, a special showcase promoting up-and-coming companies in the solar industry, at Solar Power International in Chicago, October 21-24, 2013, located at Booth #3650. Start-Up Alley is also a competitive forum for 20 early-stage solar companies to present their business proposals. Finalists will have an opportunity to present their business to a distinguished panel of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and business leaders.

In September, Solar Exchange successfully launched its cloud-based commerce platform which automates the buying and selling of goods for the solar industry. Professionals across the solar value chain have begun to do business with each other utilizing the trading platform. Over $48 million in solar content has been put up for auction since the launch.

Solar Exchange utilizes online business-to-business (B2B) auctions and request for quote (RFQ) capabilities to facilitate sales and procurement activities. These capabilities create a direct connection between qualified solar businesses, large and small, along the entire solar value chain including raw material and component suppliers, panel and BOS manufacturers, Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) companies, developers, integrators, utilities, and power companies.

"Solar Exchange is delighted to participate in SPI's Start-Up Alley and we're honored to be recognized as an innovative new solar business," said Solar Exchange CEO Gary Mull. "We look forward to presenting and spreading the word about our solution to extend global reach, accelerate sales, and reduce the costs associated with the sales and procurement process in the solar industry."

SolarExchange.com is accessible in English, German and Chinese and has local service offices in the U.S., China, Germany, and India, and plans future market support in other emerging solar markets. To enable solar companies to benefit from this new trading solution, Solar Exchange is offering a free six month trial membership for all companies that register by October 31, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.solarexchange.com.

About Solar Exchange
Founded in 2012, Solar Exchange is the leading global online marketplace facilitating B2B online auctions for direct materials and finished goods purchasing in the solar industry. Solar Exchange is building a global community that promotes an organized way of doing business, where companies can collaborate with buyers and suppliers, large or small, from anywhere in the world. For more information, visit www.SolarExchange.com.

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