Cloud-based commerce platform that simplifies solar supply chain one of ten finalists

MENLO PARK, California – October 17, 2013 – Solar Exchange announced today it will compete in an investor-focused competition dedicated to solar industry startups at Solar Power International (SPI) in Chicago. Taking a page from Silicon Valley's tech startup competitions, SPI's "Startup Alley" is a special showcase promoting up-and-coming companies in the solar industry. Ten finalists will present their business proposals to potential investors, including venture capital, corporate investors and business leaders on October 23, at McCormick Place, Booth #3650.

Solar Exchange simplifies the buying and selling of goods for the solar industry through its cloud-based commerce platform which automates the transaction process for sales and procurement professionals up and down the solar value chain. Since its launch in September, the company has more than $51 million in posted content on its website.

Solar Exchange combines 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.

"Our goal is to create an online marketplace where buyers and sellers up and down the solar value chain can engage with each other, transact business and benefit from this innovative commerce solution which enables sellers to reach new markets to expand revenue opportunities, and enables buyers to purchase solar materials and finished goods significantly reducing the supply chain costs associated with traditional market infrastructure procurement," said Solar Exchange CEO Gary Mull.

To facilitate global commerce, 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.