January 13, 2011 (Phoenix) – Southwest Solar Technologies announced today that it has completed initial development of the Southwest Solar Research Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The 18-acre, state-of-the-art, secured facility is located just south of Sky Harbor Airport. The focal point of the facility, a 75 foot diameter concentrating solar dish, is visible to commuters as they cross the Salt River along Interstate 10.

The Research Park is designed to serve as a world class center for renewable energy research and innovation.  The Solar Research Park provides the Company’s engineers and development partners with abundant sunlight and field space to operate and evaluate new solar technology.  The site offers convenient access to the city’s universities and tech industry base because it is located on a major arterial in a major metropolitan area.

“The Company is in discussions with other renewable energy businesses to co-locate at the park to promote collaboration and make land available for testing or demonstration projects,” said CEO Brad Forst.  Potential collaborators could include universities, private companies, and government-sponsored projects.

“This is an important milestone for our company,” stated Herb Hayden, Chief Technical Officer. “The facility combines our operational headquarters with a uniquely placed research and development complex for others that are seeking to advance solar technology.”

Southwest Solar Technologies is a developer of an innovative new solar power system that combines the high efficiency of a solar dish concentrator with the durability and performance of gas turbine engines. Founded in 2008, the company is focused on this unique approach to provide concentrating solar power (CSP) while using no cooling water, and with the capability of firm power using backup fuel and energy storage.  Firm power is a clear advantage over standard photovoltaic or wind systems that are intermittent due to weather. SST is unique in its approach to design a purpose-built gas turbine for this solar application, rather than modifying commercial equipment that was designed for other purposes. www.swsolartech.com

SOUTHWEST SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC. today announced the appointment of Bradley P. Forst as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Forst brings over 35 years of experience as a CEO with an extensive background in technology commercialization, R&D, manufacturing, law and finance.  He was formerly the president and CEO of Simula, Inc., a publicly traded AMEX company based in Phoenix, and president and CEO of Gradient Analytics Inc, Scottsdale, Arizona.

“I am excited to join Southwest Solar as the company transitions to the next level,” said Forst. “The Company’s R&D and engineering strength have created a sound foundation as we move to commercialization and promotion of our technology and product,” he said.

“Southwest Solar is the developer of an innovative utility-scale power system that combines the efficiency of dish concentrating thermal solar power with the reliability of a turbine.  This approach can be hybridized for use with fuel to address the intermittency problems associated with standard solar and wind power products, “ said Forst.

“We believe Brad’s experience is well matched to the strategic plan of the Company as we move forward,” said Josh Rosen, Vice Chairman.  “Our plans include building strategic U.S. and international relationships for product refinement, manufacturing, and project development,” he said.

Forst has worked in a number of senior positions in business and law. As CEO he led Simula through a successful corporate turn-around and sale. At Gradient he led the company through a growth period and its first entry into international markets. He has served on four corporate Boards of Directors, including as Audit Committee Chairman of a NASDAQ company. Forst was formerly a securities attorney and partner in two Phoenix law firms. He teaches as an adjunct professor at both the W.P. Carey School of Business and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, at Arizona State University.

Southwest Solar Technologies, established in 2008, operates at the Southwest Solar Research Park in Phoenix. Its solar dish-turbine concept was initially launched under support by the U.S. Department of Energy. The product is designed to deliver a renewable energy solution where requirements are non-intermittent power, low water use, and scalability. www.swsolartech.com