Real Goods Solar (RSOL) Selected by Leading Production Homebuilder

LOUISVILLE, Colo., Feb. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSOL), a nationwide leader of turnkey solar energy solutions, has been selected by a leading production homebuilder to deploy solar in certain of its new communities, beginning in California and with an eye towards broader deployment to other solar friendly states.

Home buyers in participating solar communities will enjoy the benefits of a solar system as a standard feature of their new home. Real Goods Solar will design, engineer, service and manage the installation of these residential solar systems. The systems will be designed to offset a good portion of the electrical needs of the home.

“We are excited about this important expansion of our homebuilder program that allows homeowners to benefit from the advantages of having solar electricity from day one when they move into their new homes,” said Kam Mofid, Real Goods Solar CEO. “With our management team’s deep experience in home building and solar we were able to offer an outstanding value and the best overall solution as part of the homebuilder’s efforts to broadly offer solar in new homes.”

Josh Price, vice president of residential operations for Real Goods Solar, commented: “Home builders are seeing demand strengthen across the country but buyers are often concerned about the rising electricity costs. Including solar in new homes allows home buyers to see savings in their energy costs and therefore reduce the overall cost of owning their dream home.”

About Real Goods Solar and RGS Energy

Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSOL) is one of the nation’s pioneering solar energy companies serving commercial, residential, and utility customers. Beginning with one of the very first photovoltaic panels sold in the U.S. in 1978, the company has installed more than 14,500 solar power systems representing over 100 megawatts of 100% clean renewable energy. Real Goods Solar makes it very convenient for customers to save on their energy bill by providing a comprehensive solar solution, from design, financing, permitting and installation to ongoing monitoring, maintenance and support. As one of the nation’s largest and most experienced solar power installers, the company has 15 offices across the West and the Northeast. It services the commercial and utility markets through its RGS Energy division. For more information, visit RealGoodsSolar.com or RGSEnergy.com, or call (888) 507-2561.

The Real Goods Solar, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6455

This press release includes forward-looking statements relating to matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “should” or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy. While Real Goods Solar believes its assumptions and expectations underlying forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not be materially different. Risks and uncertainties that could cause materially different results include, among others, introduction of new products and services, completion and integration of acquisitions, the possibility of negative economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties included in Real Goods Solar’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Real Goods Solar assumes no duty to update any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Media and Investor Relations Contact:
         Ron Both
         Liolios Group, Inc.
         Tel (949) 574-3860
         RSOL@liolios.com