Los Angeles-based American Solar Direct partners with Homes for Our Troops to provide free solar to wounded warriors.

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 3, 2014) – American Solar Direct Inc. (ASD) today announced a partnership with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) to install free solar energy systems on homes built by HFOT and donated to three of the most severely wounded Veterans living in California.

The partnership is the result of American Solar Direct's employee-inspired donation last summer to install a solar energy system at an Army Veteran's El Cajon home that had been constructed by HFOT.

"From the moment our employees first heard about the chance to give back to one of our most critically injured Veterans, we quickly realized this was a program that must be expanded to others in the same situation," said Brennan Mulcahy, ASD's Chief Executive Officer. "These Veterans paid dearly to defend the United States of America. We are proud to embark upon this partnership with Homes for Our Troops to supply free solar systems to our wounded warriors."

"Homes for Our Troops is fortunate to have the support of patriotic businesses like American Solar Direct to help us in our mission of building specially adapted homes for our nation's Veterans," says Major General (USA, Retired) Timothy P. McHale, President/CEO of Homes for Our Troops. "Having partnerships like this is crucial in allowing us to return the gift of freedom and independence that these Heroes fought so bravely to protect."

American Solar Direct, the 17th fastest growing private company in the U.S. according to the 2014 INC. 5000 listing, has been looking to support an organization that is aligned with the company's focus on serving the public. HFOT is in the planning stages to deliver these specially designed residences for more severely wounded Veterans living in California and American Solar Direct is a proud supporter of this effort.

The partnership was inspired by ASD's efforts during the last Fourth of July weekend to provide a free rooftop solar system to Sgt. Odin Ayala. Sgt. Ayala was on his third deployment to Afghanistan when, on Sept. 14, 2011, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast caused him significant physical injury and he underwent years of treatment and rehabilitation in a quest for an independent lifestyle.

"Sgt. Ayala's story touched everyone's hearts at American Solar Direct. Employees recognized we had a chance to offer a lasting contribution and somehow give back to a person who lost so much protecting our freedom," said ASD's Chief Operational Officer Andrew Schneider. "Today, our ongoing support of HFOT will allow us to extend our gratitude by helping other Veterans in these challenging situations. A free solar system will go a long way to reducing the operating costs of a Veteran's home."

For a video story of Sgt. Ayala, click here. Or, cut and paste the url below into your browser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gydiIxmWtWw

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About American Solar Direct
American Solar Direct is a full-service solar provider offering California homeowners solar design, permitting, installation, and maintenance services. Through its Solar Made Simple program, American Solar Direct offers homeowners the ability to generate their own clean, renewable power and take control of their electricity prices. American Solar Direct was declared 17th Fastest Growing Private Company in 2014 by INC. magazine, named one of the top five residential solar installers to watch in 2013 by GTM Research and was among the top 5 purely residential solar installers in the U.S., according to a Solar Power World survey. The company recently earned national Company of the Year and Company of the Year honors by the American Business Awards, as well as Angie's List Super Service Award for excellent customer service.

Homeowners interested in solar power may contact ASD at 855-SOLAR55 (or 855-765-2755) to get started with a free, no-obligation in-home analysis. Connect with ASD on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AmerSolarDirect. www.americansolardirect.com
For more information, contact media@americansolardirect.com.
About Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed defending ours, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, over 90 percent of donations to Homes for Our Troops has gone to directly support Veterans.