SUNNY PRO CLUB RECEIVES INDUSTRY PRIZE 2008

Solar Technology Leader Recognized with Innovation Award for Marketing Program

ROCKLIN, Calif., June 17, 2008—Global solar technology giant SMA Technologie AG, the parent company of SMA America, Inc., has received an Industry Prize 2008 for its marketing program, Sunny PRO Club. Surpassing more than 600 entries for this prestigious award from the Initiative Mittelstand—a small and mid-sized business initiative in Karlsruhe, Germany—the Sunny PRO Club concept was recognized as an innovative business solution in the Environmental Technology category. The Sunny PRO Club is also available to solar professionals in the United States through SMA America.


"We're honored the Sunny PRO Club has received recognition for being the innovative program that it is," says SMA America marketing manager Jeffrey Philpott. "SMA America is pleased to offer the same groundbreaking marketing program to our U.S.-based retailers and installers, and membership is already exceeding expectations."

Available exclusively to solar professionals who sell and install SMA products, the Sunny PRO Club is a valuable marketing services package that combines SMA's world-class products and marketing expertise with local solar professionals' specialized capabilities. Club membership—available for a nominal annual fee—offers independent businesses unprecedented marketing potential by utilizing strategically designed, customizable tools and resources.

Authorized SMA Solar Power Professionals can utilize state-of-the-art marketing tools including ad templates, online banners and direct-mail support. Membership also provides priority technical service, invitations to exclusive technical and product-training seminars, and access to fully customizable materials such as vehicle signage, banners and brochures. In addition, members receive Sunny PRO Club newsletters, which keep solar professionals on the cutting edge of their business endeavors.

Sunny PRO Club members have the ability to effectively market their businesses while also successfully meeting the increased demands in the field, thanks to the myriad professional business-building tools available. With leads generated by SMA's custom Online Zip-Search and installer listings, real-world dividends are available almost immediately upon joining.

About Industry Prize
The Industry Prize awards program celebrates the most interesting and innovative solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. The program's 21 categories cover the technology, engineering, software and automotive fields. Submitted products and services are judged based on their innovative content by a jury of professors, scientists, specialized editors, and industry experts.

About SMA America, Inc.
SMA America, Inc. is a proud part of the worldwide SMA family of companies, with divisions in nine countries on four continents, boasting over 1,900 employees, and continuous double-digit growth. SMA America supports installers and small businesses in the solar industry through marketing and training assistance. Since 2000, SMA America has shown unfaltering commitment to the continued development and implementation of leading-edge products, including some of the most efficient solar inverters available nationwide. For more information, call (916) 625-0870 or visit www.sma-america.com.

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