Sunworks Starts Installation on First Fully Solar-Powered Building in Ocala

Jacksonville, FL (June 18, 2007) - An Ocala doctor will soon have one of the first fully solar-powered private commercial buildings his city.

Jacksonville-based Sunworks Solar Energy, Inc. began installation today on the project, which includes a 25-kilowatt solar voltaic system and a solar hot water system that will provide electricity for a new chiropractic center owned by Dr. Riadh Fakhoury (pronounced Ree-Ahd Fa-Koo-Ree) located at 1009 S.W. 17th St.

When highway construction forced the chiropractic center to move from its current building, Fakhoury’s father Fattah, an engineer with a PhD, convinced him that the time was right for solar – especially given the federal tax incentives and state tax rebates that are available through this July.

"I’ve always been interested in solar power because it is non-polluting and it’s free," said Fatah Fakhoury. "Combined with the incentives available now, and since we had to construct a new clinic anyway, it all just came together. I’m especially proud we will the first to use a system of this size in our city. I hope it will get more people interested in solar power here."

About 20 employees will work in the one-story, 8,000-square-foot clinic when construction is complete this July.

The system incorporates solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity for the building and also includes a solar hot water system, which also uses solar panels to heat the water used by tenants.

"This is a very large system so we are excited to have the opportunity to take part in the project," said Sunworks president David H. Smith. "The construction contractor, Commercial Structures, Inc., has also been very supportive throughout the process, which is extremely helpful when you are installing solar systems like these."

In the solar energy business since 1973, Solar Energy, Inc. provides research and development of solar products. Sunworks Solar Systems, Inc., its affiliated sales and installation company, is the largest solar energy distributor and installation company in northeast Florida and is a member of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. The company provides consulting, installation and service for solar water, pool heating, solar electric (photovoltaic) systems, skylights, and wind-power systems. For more information, contact 904-731-2099 or visit www.solarenergy.com.

Media Contact: Ron Whittington (904-563-0402)