Eliminating rails and grounding, SPI Startup Alley winner makes solar a snap to install

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Residential photovoltaic module innovator, SMASHsolar, announces the US launch of SMASHmount, the worlds first direct attach solar module. The mounting-integrated modules snap together and attach directly to a residential composition shingle roof in less than half the time of traditional mounting systems. SMASHs snap-together dual-glass module mounting is setting a new industry standard for speed and ease of installation. By slashing the time an installation takes, SMASH allows installers to maximize profits and dramatically lower the cost of going solar for their customers. Called "solar LEGOS®" by installers, SMASHmount saves up to $0.15/W on overall system cost by reducing the number of installation steps by half and number of unique parts to just two.

"It is clear that the solar industrys rapid growth is reaching an inflection point. We must leave behind outdated ideas and embrace the potential for full adoption of solar," said Troy Tyler, SMASHsolar CEO and Founder. "SMASHsolar is dedicated to making solar accessible by all and our first product does just that. SMASHmount is a disruptive force that transforms residential installations."

"SMASH is changing the way solar is installed," explains George Gutierrez II, solar cowboy, and CEO of Solar Alliance located in Central Texas. "In our competitive market we are looking for ways to win customers and cut costs. SMASH achieves both with its elegantly designed and quick to install SMASHmount system." Gutierrez has signed up for SMASHs Innovator Program, which gives qualified installers advance access integrated modules, training, and sales support.

"SMASH is designing products that make solar power like any other household appliance - affordable, beautiful to live with, and easy to install," said Neil Goldberg, SMASHsolar Chief Design Officer and Founder.

Partnerships

The SMASHmount system is the only residential mounting system designed to take advantage of dual-glass PV modules, which have had limited adoption largely because of the lack of an efficient mounting system. "Sunpreme is excited to support the integration of SMASHmount system with our GxB310 and GxB310 Smart modules with integrated optimizer," said Homi Fatemi, Sunpreme's SVP of Global Business Development & Strategic Partnerships. "We have enjoyed strong growth in the residential market. We understand our installers' need to reduce cost and complexity. The SMASHmount system has impressed us on both scores."

"BASF is pleased to support SMASHsolar in the launch of their innovative SMASHmount product," said Anil Kumar, Sales & Market Development Manager at BASF. "BASF engineered plastics have been used for over 40 years in demanding field applications such as automotive. For SMASH, BASF engineered plastics provide superior mechanical reliability, UV resistance and contribute to SMASHsolar's innovative, non-conductive system, which eliminates equipment grounding for their installers."

About SMASHsolar Inc.

SMASHsolar, Richmond, CA, is dedicated to breaking down barriers to solar. With a keen focus on innovation, value, and quality, SMASH has developed the first direct attach system for dual-glass photovoltaic (PV) modules. SMASHsolar harnesses the ingenuity of Silicon Valley to deliver more powerful residential PV modules with lower overhead costs. SMASHsolar is the recipient of awards totaling $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energys SunShot Initiative Incubator Program, the 2014 Winner of SPI Startup Alley Challenge, and an Alumnus of Clean Tech Open, the world's largest cleantech accelerator.

About Sunpreme Inc.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Sunpreme is a global solar photovoltaic company that designs, develops and manufactures its proprietary HCT. Sunpreme provides the world's most powerful Bifacial double glass frameless modules with STC outputs of 300W-500W based on a patented HCT platform. With 7 of top 10 rankings among thin-film PV products, Sunpreme solutions are deployed across the US and worldwide.

About BASF

BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015.

For more information please visit: www.smashsolar.com