NEWARK, N.J. — Panasonic Solar Group has announced a cross-country expansion of the Panasonic residential solar installer program with the addition of 10 “premium installers” located across the company’s three main regions.

Over the past six months, Panasonic has promoted more than 16 installers across the country to premium status, enabling more homeowners access to the Panasonic Solar Modules HIT portfolio, according to the company.

Launched in the U.S. in 2016, the Panasonic Solar premium installer program has seen impressive growth in the last two years, now with 36 premium installers and more than 150 authorized installers. Companies joining the premium installer program in Panasonic's western territory include:

• Alternate Energy Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii
• Solar Optimum, Glendale, Calif.
• Sol-Up USA, Las Vegas
• Sunbright Solar LLC, Tucson, Ariz.

"The western region has been a catalyst for the solar industry in the United States, supportive renewable energy policies and consumer popularity continue to drive further growth in the region," said David Lopez, Group Sales Manager Solar & Storage, Western Territory, Panasonic USA. "Expanding our premium installer partners in the west allows homeowners increased access to Panasonic's industry-leading technology and warranty."

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Panasonic's central territory will also see an expansion with six new premium installers joining the network:

• Advance Solar & Energy, Ft. Myers, Fla.
• Energy Consultants Group, Anamosa, Iowa
• Good Faith Energy, Houston
• Whole Sun Design, Bloomington, Ind.
• Kapital Electric Co., Bensenville, Ill.
• South Texas Solar Systems, San Antonio, Texas

"Demand for solar energy is rapidly increasing among homeowners in Florida, Texas and in the midwest," said Jack O'Donohue, sales and business development manager, Panasonic USA. "The addition of new premium installers for the central region recognizes these installers' success in offering Panasonic Solar and Storage solutions to meet the demands of homeowners who value quality, efficiency, and long-term commitment to performance as covered by Panasonic's Triple Guard 25-year warranty."

The Panasonic Solar installer program is comprised of "authorized" and "premium" installers, and premium installers are involved in continuous efforts with Panasonic to promote the HIT brand. These installers receive leads generated from Panasonic's website as well as from the new educational blog "Green Living". In addition, premium installers are the beneficiaries of cooperative marketing funds provided by Panasonic and are also provided access to Panasonic's robust Installer Portal that offers additional benefits such as a library of tailored marketing materials and training programs designed to help installers enhance communication with consumers, and ultimately grow their businesses.

"Installers want the best products and tools to give their customers exactly what they need," said Yessica Castillo, national marketing manager at Panasonic Eco Solutions North America. "That's why we're working with installers who align with Panasonic's customer-first values and commitment to taking solar to the next level, one installation at a time."