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EX-31 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - Andalay Solar, Inc.exhibit_31.htm
EX-32 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - Andalay Solar, Inc.exhibit_32.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - Andalay Solar, Inc.Financial_Report.xls
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
 
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

or

o
 
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                                                                 to                      

Commission File Number 001-33695

Westinghouse Solar Logo
Westinghouse Solar, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
90-0181035
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
1475 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 101, Campbell, CA
95008
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(408) 402-9400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  o
 
Accelerated filer  o
 
Non-accelerated filer  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  x
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o    No x

As of May 11, 2012, 19,101,593 shares of the issuer’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding (including non-vested restricted shares).


 
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Westinghouse Solar, Inc.
   
March 31,
2012 (unaudited)
   
December 31,
2011
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 615,414     $ 1,346,777  
Accounts receivable, net
    842,636       1,096,580  
Other receivables
    497,856       469,469  
Inventory, net
    3,011,533       4,172,809  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
    762,534       978,709  
Assets of discontinued operations
    20,646       87,455  
Assets held for sale – discontinued operations
    18,293       18,293  
Total current assets
    5,768,912       8,170,092  
Property and equipment, net
    156,510       196,718  
Other assets, net
    1,388,984       955,570  
Assets of discontinued operations – long-term
    209,913       209,913  
Total assets
  $ 7,524,319     $ 9,532,293  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 2,534,764     $ 3,865,039  
Accrued liabilities
    791,704       428,813  
Accrued warranty
    258,779       217,812  
Common stock warrant liability
    20,425       317,490  
Credit facility
          92,266  
Capital lease obligations – current portion
    4,761       4,699  
Note payable – current portion
    189,483       283,252  
Liabilities of discontinued operations – short-term
    1,162,527       1,308,820  
Total current liabilities
    4,962,443       6,518,191  
                 
Capital lease obligations, less current portion
    3,500       4,713  
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
    3,675       10,200  
Total liabilities
    4,969,618       6,533,104  
                 
Commitments, contingencies and subsequent events (Notes 17 and 18)
               
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Convertible redeemable preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 2,273 shares issued and outstanding on March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    751,223       751,223  
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 18,766,496 and 16,040,581 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (Note 1)
    18,767       16,041  
Additional paid-in capital
    75,108,914       72,683,781  
Accumulated deficit
    (73,324,203 )     (70,451,856 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    2,554,701       2,999,189  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 7,524,319     $ 9,532,293  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements  


 
Westinghouse Solar, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended 
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Net revenue
  $ 2,422,340     $ 1,994,362  
Cost of goods sold
    2,179,969       1,716,563  
        Gross profit
    242,371       277,799  
Operating expenses
               
Sales and marketing
    623,180       346,328  
General and administrative
    2,063,409       1,678,945  
Total operating expenses
    2,686,589       2,025,273  
Loss from continuing operations
    (2,444,218 )     (1,747,474 )
Other income (expense)
               
Interest income (expense), net
    4,220       (22,701 )
Adjustment to the fair value of common stock warrants
    (436,943 )     462,948  
Total other income (expense)
    (432,723 )     440,247  
Loss before provision for income taxes and discontinued operations
    (2,876,941 )     (1,307,227 )
Provision for income taxes
           
Net loss from continuing operations (Note 3)
    (2,876,941 )     (1,307,227 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    25,853       (6,262 )
Net loss
    (2,851,088 )     (1,313,489 )
Preferred stock dividend
    (21,259 )      
Preferred deemed dividend
          (975,460 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
  $ (2,872,347 )   $ (2,288,949 )
                 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders per common and common equivalent share (basic and diluted)
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.20 )
                 
Weighted average shares used in computing loss per common share: (basic and diluted)
    16,145,962       11,361,726  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.



 
 
 
Westinghouse Solar, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)

   
Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
                   
   
Number of Shares
   
Amount
   
Number of Shares
   
Amount
   
Additional Paid-in Capital
   
Accumulated Deficit
   
Stockholders' Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2012
    2,273     $ 751,223       16,040,581     $ 16,041     $ 72,683,781     $ (70,451,856 )   $ 2,999,189  
Issuance of common stock for supply agreement
                1,990,279       1,990       1,097,177             1,099,167  
Preferred stock dividends paid in common stock
                38,851       39       21,220       (21,259 )      
Reclassify fair value of common stock warrant liability upon exercise and modification
                            734,007             734,007  
Exercise of warrants for common stock
                472,222       472       282,862             283,334  
Grants of restricted stock, net of forfeitures and repurchases for employee taxes
                224,563       225       903             1,128  
Stock-based compensation expense
                            296,216             296,216  
Placement agent and registration fees and other direct costs
                            (7,251 )           (7,251 )
Net loss
                                  (2,851,088 )     (2,851,088 )
Balance at March 31, 2012
    2,273     $ 751,223       18,766,496     $ 18,767     $ 75,108,914     $ (73,324,203 )   $ 2,554,701  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.



 
 Westinghouse Solar, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (Unaudited)
   
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net loss
  $ (2,851,088 )   $ (1,313,489 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in by operations:
               
Depreciation
    40,208       64,901  
Amortization of patents
    2,002       1,463  
Bad debt expense
    51,000       5,000  
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value adjustment of common stock warrants
    436,943       (462,948 )
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
    296,216       417,646  
Loss on assets held for sale
          (6,374 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    202,944       332,778  
Other receivables
    (28,387 )     (8,718 )
Inventory
    1,215,442       1,101,624  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    216,175       174,480  
Assets of discontinued operations – short term
    66,809       369,784  
Other assets
    (435,415 )     (12,913 )
Assets of discontinued operations – long-term
          (200,000 )
Accounts payable
    (285,275 )     (1,112,870 )
Accrued liabilities and accrued warranty
    403,858       (11,209 )
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    (152,818 )     (124,230 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (821,386 )     (785,075 )
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Acquisition of property and equipment
          (13,026 )
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment from discontinued operations
          184,027  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
          171,001  
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Repayment of notes payable
    (93,769 )     (54,332 )
Repayment on line of credit, net
    (92,266 )     (540,250 )
Repayments on capital lease obligations
    (1,151 )     (569 )
Repayments on capital lease obligations from discontinued operations
          (5,417 )
Restricted cash
          540,250  
Proceeds from stock offering
          3,600,000  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
    283,333        
Payment of placement agent and registration fees and other direct costs
    (7,251 )     (352,261 )
Employee taxes paid for vesting of restricted stock
    1,127       (12,298 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    90,023       3,175,123  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (731,363 )     2,561,049  
Cash and cash equivalents
               
Beginning of period
    1,346,777       596,046  
End of period
  $ 615,414     $ 3,157,095  


 
Supplemental cash flows disclosures:
           
Cash paid during the period for interest
  $ 5,602     $ 6,456  
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activity:
               
Fair value of warrants issued in stock offering
  $     $ 2,713,550  
Conversion of common stock warrant liability upon exercise of warrants
  $ 252,765     $  
Reclassification of common stock liability upon modification of warrants
  $ 481,242     $  
Preferred deemed dividend
  $     $ 975,460  
Preferred stock dividends paid in common stock
  $ 21,259     $  
Stock issued in satisfaction of accounts payable to investor supplier
  $ 1,045,000     $  
Stock issued to procure inventory
  $ 54,167     $  
Property and equipment acquired through capital lease
  $     $ 11,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


Westinghouse Solar, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
1. Basis of Presentation and Description of Business

Basis of Presentation — Interim Financial Information

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. They should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes to the financial statements of Westinghouse Solar, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”), formerly Akeena Solar, Inc., for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 appearing in our Form 10-K. The March 31, 2012 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted as permitted by those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Reclassifications

Reverse Stock Split

On April 6, 2011, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a reverse split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-4. The reverse stock split was effective at the close of business on April 13, 2011. All historical share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. Our par value was not changed by the reverse stock split.

Description of Business

We are a designer and manufacturer of solar power systems and solar panels with integrated microinverters (which we call AC solar panels). We design, market and sell these solar power systems to solar installers, trade workers and do-it-yourself customers through distribution partnerships, our dealer network and retail outlets. Our products are designed for use in solar power systems for residential and commercial rooftop customers. Prior to September 2010, we were also in the solar power installation business. We launched the distribution of our solar power systems in the second quarter of 2009.

On May 17, 2010, we entered into an exclusive worldwide agreement that permits us to manufacture, distribute and market our solar panels under the Westinghouse name. On July 22, 2010, we announced that we will operate under the name “Westinghouse Solar” and, effective July 23, 2010 at the opening of the market, our stock began trading under the stock symbol “WEST” on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 31, 2011, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to formally change the name of the company from “Akeena Solar, Inc.” to “Westinghouse Solar, Inc.”. The name change became effective on April 6, 2011.

Our Corporate headquarters is located at 1475 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, CA 95008. Our telephone number is (408) 402-9400. Additional information about Westinghouse Solar is available on our website at http://www.westinghousesolar.com. The information on our web site is not incorporated herein by reference.

On May 7, 2012, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with CBD Energy Limited, an Australian corporation (“CBD”), and CBD-WS Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of CBD (“Merger Sub”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company to be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBD (the “Merger”).

Under the Merger Agreement, our stockholders would receive shares of CBD in exchange for their shares. Our common stockholders will receive approximately 3.7 CBD common shares for each share held and our preferred stockholders will receive CBD preferred shares which will be convertible into CBD common shares. On an as-converted basis, the holders of our common stock and holders of our Series B preferred stock would collectively hold approximately 15% of the outstanding CBD common shares, calculated as if the Merger was consummated on the signing date. The Merger will not qualify as a “tax free reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. CBD plans to apply for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, with listing to be effective on or before consummation of the Merger. Completion of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including (i) the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the required vote of the holders of our outstanding common stock, (ii) the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has declared effective a Registration Statement registering the CBD common shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (iii) the approval and adoption by the holders of outstanding CBD common shares of the Merger Agreement and the issuance of additional CBD common shares as consideration in the Merger, and (iv) the approval by the Australian Securities Exchange (the “ASX”) and the holders of outstanding CBD common shares of the delisting of the CBD common shares from the ASX. In conjunction with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the holders of a majority of our outstanding Company Series B preferred stock entered into a Waiver and Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit D to the Merger Agreement (and included in Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 9, 2012).
 
 
2. Significant Accounting Policies
 
Liquidity and Financial Position

For the quarter ending March 31, 2012, and for each of the two years in the period ending December 31, 2011, we have incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. In addition, we expect to incur a net loss from operations for our year ending December 31, 2012. During recent years, we have undertaken several equity financing transactions to provide the capital needed to sustain and to grow our business. Based on current cash projections for 2012, which contemplate a smaller operating loss and reaching breakeven cash flow from operations in the second half of the year, we intend to address ongoing working capital needs through cost reduction measures recently implemented and utilization of existing inventory, along with utilizing our available credit facility and raising additional equity. In the event that revenue is lower, further staffing reductions and expense cuts could occur.

As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $615,000 in cash on hand and $750,000 available under our credit facility. As an additional source of capital, outstanding warrants provide the possibility to receive additional proceeds upon exercise, depending on market conditions. During the quarter ending March 31, 2012, warrants to purchase 472,222 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.60 per share were exercised, resulting in approximately $283,000 in proceeds. We are seeking potential investors to obtain additional funding, and we have engaged an investment banker to facilitate these efforts.
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern. Our significant operating losses and negative cash flow from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty and contemplate the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. We believe our current cash balance, projected financial results and the amounts that should be available through debt and equity financing provide sufficient resources and operating flexibility through at least the next 12 months, however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales of products is recognized when: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the sale price is fixed or determinable, and (4) collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. We recognize revenue when the solar power systems are shipped to the customer.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents which consist principally of demand deposits with high credit quality financial institutions. At certain times, such amounts exceed FDIC insurance limits. We have not experienced any losses on these investments.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables. We regularly evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated credit losses, and such losses have historically been minimal and within our expectations. We consider a number of factors when estimating credit losses, including the aging of a customer’s account, creditworthiness of specific customers, historical trends and other information.

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations are presented and accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (ASC 360). When a qualifying component of the Company is disposed of or has been classified as held for sale, the operating results of that component are removed from continuing operations for all periods presented and displayed as discontinued operations if: (a) elimination of the component’s operations and cash flows from the Company’s ongoing operations has occurred (or will occur) and (b) significant continuing involvement by the Company in the component’s operations does not exist after the disposal transaction.

On September 10, 2010, we announced that we were exiting the solar panel installation business. The exit from the installation business was essentially completed by the end of 2010, other than potential warranty payments related to past installations. (See “Manufacturer and Installation Warranties”). The exit from the installation business was therefore classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented under the requirements of ASC 360.
 
 
Manufacturer and Installation Warranties

The manufacturer directly warrants the solar panels and inverters for a range from 15 to 25 years. We warrant the balance of system components of our products against defects in material and workmanship for five years. We assist our customers in the event of a claim under the manufacturer warranty to replace a defective solar panel or inverter. The warranty liability for the material and the workmanship of the balance of system components of approximately $259,000 at March 31, 2012 and $218,000 at December 31, 2011, is included within “Accrued warranty” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The liability for our manufacturing warranty consists of the following:
   
March 31, 2012 (Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2011
 
Beginning accrued warranty balance (January 1)
  $ 217,812     $ 51,860  
Reduction for labor payments and claims made under the warranty
           
Accruals related to warranties issued during the period
    40,967       165,952  
Ending accrued warranty balance
  $ 258,779     $ 217,812  

We previously recorded a provision for warranty liability related to our discontinued installation operations. We provided for a 5-year or a 10-year warranty on the installation of a system and all equipment and incidental supplies other than solar panels and inverters that are covered under the manufacturer warranty. The liability for the installation warranty of approximately $1.1 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is included within “Liabilities of Discontinued Operations” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Defective solar panels or inverters are covered under the manufacturer warranty. In the event that a panel or inverter needs to be replaced, we will replace the defective item within the manufacturer’s warranty period (between 5-25 years).
 
Patent Costs

We capitalize external legal costs and filing fees associated with obtaining or defending our patents. Upon issuance of new patents or successful defense of existing patents, we amortize these costs using the straight line method over the shorter of the legal life of the patent or its economic life. We believe the remaining useful life we assign to these patents, approximately 12.75 years as of March 31, 2012, are reasonable. We periodically review our patents to determine whether any such cost have been impaired and are no longer being used. To the extent we are no longer using certain patents, the associated costs will be written off at that time.

Common Stock Warrant Liabilities

In March 2009 and February 2011, we issued warrants to purchase shares of our common stock in connection with certain capital financing transactions. The terms of the March 2009 warrant agreements include a cash-out provision which may be triggered at the option of the warrant holders if the Company “goes private,” is acquired for all cash or upon the occurrence of certain other fundamental transactions involving the Company. The terms of the February 2011 warrant agreements included a provision that require us to reduce the exercise price of the warrants to purchase shares of our common stock upon the occurrence of certain lower-priced future offerings of our equity securities. Under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), financial instruments that may require the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets or to reduce the exercise price of its warrants to purchase shares of its common stock are classified as a liability. Therefore, we classified these warrants as liabilities and record we mark-to-market adjustments to reflect the fair value at each period-end. On March 30, 2012, the February 2011 warrants were amended to remove any future price adjustment to the exercise price. (See Note 12. “Stock Warrants” relating to the accounting treatment of the Series E and K warrants).

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material developments or changes to the significant accounting policies discussed in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K or accounting pronouncements issued or adopted, except as described below.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU No. 2011-05). ASU No. 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, eliminating the option to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. Under either choice, items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income are required to be presented on the face of the financial statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. We adopted ASU No. 2011-05 on January 1, 2012 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



3. Discontinued Operations

On September 10, 2010, we announced that we were exiting the solar panel installation business and we were expanding our distribution business to include sales of our Westinghouse Solar Power Systems directly to dealers in California. The exit from the installation business was essentially completed by the end of 2010. During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, we recorded a gain from discontinued operations of approximately $26,000 compared to a loss from discontinued operations of approximately $6,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2011. The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are presented separately under the captions “Assets of discontinued operations,” “Liabilities of discontinued operations” and “Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations,” respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and consist of the following:

Assets of discontinued operations:
 
March 31,
2012 (unaudited)
   
December 31, 2011
 
Accounts receivable and other receivables
  $ 19,705     $ 41,762  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
          34,415  
Other assets
    941       11,278  
Total current assets of discontinued operations
    20,646       87,455  
Security deposits on operating leases
    9,913       9,913  
Security deposit – escrow account for installation jobs
    200,000       200,000  
Total assets of discontinued operations
  $ 220,559     $ 297,368  

 
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
 
March 31,
2012 (unaudited)
   
December 31, 2011
 
Accrued liabilities
  $ 49,653     $ 124,751  
Accrued warranty
    1,112,874       1,133,549  
Deferred revenue
          50,520  
Total current liabilities
    1,162,527       1,308,820  
                 
Other long-term liabilities
    3,675       10,200  
Total discontinued operations liabilities
  $ 1,166,202     $ 1,319,020  

We entered into a Supply and Warranty Agreement and Master Assignment Agreement with Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Real Goods), pursuant to which Real Goods has agreed to perform certain warranty work. The terms of the agreement provide that an escrow account be established as a source of funds from which to satisfy our obligation to pay Real Goods for its fees and reimburse it for its expenses for this warranty work. In March 2011, we entered into an Escrow Agreement with Real Goods and deposited $200,000 into an escrow account. The amount is reflected in long-term assets of discontinued operations in the balance sheet. The escrow deposit will be released to us in the amount of $40,000, or one-fifth of the remaining escrow funds, per year after each of the fifth through the ninth anniversary of the escrow agreement.

In connection with the announcement of our exit from the solar panel installation business, we reclassified certain assets as “Assets held for sale,” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, which consists of approximately $18,000 in inventory.


4. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consists of the following:
   
March 31, 2012 (Unaudited)
   
December 31,
 2011
 
Trade accounts
  $ 943,136     $ 1,230,895  
Less: Allowance for bad debts
    (90,000 )     (39,000 )
Less: Allowance for returns
    (10,500 )     (95,315 )
    $ 842,636     $ 1,096,580  



The following table summarizes the allowance for doubtful accounts as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

   
Balance at Beginning of Period
   
Provisions, net
   
Write-Off/
Recovery
   
Balance at End of Period
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2012
 
$
39,000
   
$
51,000
   
$
   
$
90,000
 
Year ended December 31, 2011
 
$
5,000
   
$
34,000
   
$
   
$
39,000
 
                                 

5. Inventory

Our inventory, which consists entirely of finished goods inventory, was approximately $3.0 million and $4.2 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was approximately $64,000 and $75,000, respectively, capitalized in inventory related to the restricted stock grant for a supply agreement with Light Way Green New Energy Co., Ltd, (Lightway) and approximately $30,000 and $12,000, respectively, related to rent, depreciation and salary costs.

6. Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
   
March 31, 2012 (Unaudited)
   
December 31,
 2011
 
Office equipment
  $ 573,852     $ 573,852  
Leasehold improvements
    148,759       148,759  
Vehicles
    17,992       17,992  
      740,603       740,603  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (584,093 )     (543,885 )
    $ 156,510     $ 196,718  

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $40,000 and $65,000, respectively.

7. Accrued Liabilities
 
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
   
March 31, 2012 (Unaudited)
   
December 31,
 2011
 
Accrued salaries, wages, benefits and bonus
  $ 77,175     $ 92,692  
Accrued accounting and legal fees
    398,027       138,233  
Allowance for returns
          20,081  
Customer deposit payable
    57,951       13,819  
Accrued tariff
    49,507        
Royalty payable
    187,500       125,000  
Other accrued liabilities
    21,544       38,988  
    $ 791,704     $ 428,813  
 
 
8. Credit Facility
 
On February 15, 2011, we entered into a Business Financing Agreement (the "2011 Credit Facility") with Bridge Bank, National Association (“Bridge Bank”) to finance our accounts receivables. The 2011 Credit Facility provides for a credit limit of $750,000, representing the maximum amount of advances based on up to 50% of $1.5 million of gross eligible accounts receivables. The 2011 Credit Facility may be terminated at any time by either party and may be renewed under similar terms if acceptable and agreed to by both parties. If any advance is not repaid in full within 90 days from the earlier of (a) invoice date, or (b) the date on which such advance is made, we are obligated to immediately pay the outstanding amount to Bridge Bank. Outstanding loans under the 2011 Credit Facility will accrue interest at the Bridge Bank Prime rate plus 3.0% (annualized) of the daily gross financed amount outstanding. The 2011 Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was approximately $0 and $92,000, respectively, borrowed under the 2011 Credit Facility.

9. Stockholders’ Equity
 
On February 17, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional accredited investors relating to the sale of 4,000 units at a price of $900 per unit. See Note 10 for a discussion of the sale of units.

On March 25, 2011, we entered into a Supply Agreement (the "Lightway Supply Agreement") with Light Way Green New Energy Co., Ltd (Lightway). Lightway is a vertically integrated manufacturer of polycrystalline silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules. Lightway is a supplier for our proprietary Westinghouse solar panels. In consideration of the new contract manufacturing arrangement, we agreed to issue to Lightway shares of our common stock with a market value of $520,000, based on the closing share price of our common stock on the date of the first shipment of products by Lightway. On July 31, 2011, in conjunction with their first shipment, we issued Lightway 361,111 unvested shares of our common stock. The shares will vest ratably on a monthly basis over a one year period beginning August 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, 240,744 shares have vested. The unvested shares are subject to forfeiture in the event of termination of the Lightway Supply Agreement by either party.

On August 16, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional accredited investor relating to the sale of 990,099 shares of common stock at a price of $1.01 per share, along with the sale of Series L Warrants to purchase up to 643,564 shares of common stock (65% of the number of shares of common stock initially issued) at an exercise price of $1.17 per share. The warrants were not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five years from the date they are first exercisable. The aggregate purchase price for the shares and the warrants was $1,000,000. Under the securities purchase agreement, we agreed to amend the outstanding Series J Warrants, such that the exercise price of the Series J Warrants was reduced from $2.44 per share to $1.17 per share. In addition, each of the Series J Warrants, (i) is not exercisable until the six month anniversary of the closing under the August 16, 2011 securities purchase agreement, and (ii) the expiration date is extended such that the warrant is exercisable for five years from the delayed initial exercise date.

On September 28, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional accredited investor relating to the sale of 500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.80 per share, along with the sale of Series M Warrants to purchase up to 325,000 shares of common stock (65% of the number of shares of common stock initially issued) at an exercise price of $0.81 per share. The warrants were not exercisable for six months after issuance and have a term of five years from the date they are first exercisable. The aggregate purchase price for the shares and the warrants was $500,000. Under the securities purchase agreement, we agreed to amend the outstanding Series L Warrants, such that the exercise price of the Series L Warrants is reduced from $1.17 per share to $0.81 per share. In addition, each of the Series L Warrants, (i) was not exercisable for the six month anniversary of the closing under the September 28, 2011 securities purchase agreement, and (ii) the expiration date is extended such that the warrant is exercisable for five years from the delayed initial exercise date. 

On December 30, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with CBD Energy Limited (“CBD”), an Australian corporation, relating to the sale of 1,666,667 shares of common stock at a price of $0.60 per share. The aggregate purchase price was $1,000,000.

As a result of the December 30, 2011 sale, (i) the conversion price of the Series B Preferred was reduced to $0.60 per share of common stock, and (ii) the exercise price per share of the Series K Warrants was reduced to $0.60 per share of common stock. There are currently 2,273 shares of Series B Preferred that remain outstanding. After adjustment to the conversion price, the outstanding Series B Preferred would be convertible into 3,409,029 shares of common stock. Because we have previously recognized the full amount of proceeds allocated to the preferred stock as a preferred deemed dividend, there was no further accounting implication to this adjustment.

On March 30, 2012, we entered into an amendment to the outstanding Series K warrants which removed the provision for any future price adjustment to the exercise price. See Note 12 for a discussion on the accounting treatment of these warrants.

Pursuant to the Lightway Supply Agreement, on March 30, 2012, we issued 1,900,000 shares of our common stock to Lightway. The shares were issued at $0.55 per share based on the latest closing sale price on the date of issuance. The issuance of the common stock, valued at $1,045,000, increased equity and reduced accounts payable by an equal amount.



10. Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock and Preferred Deemed Dividend

On February 17, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional accredited investors relating to the sale of 4,000 units at a price of $900 per unit (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”). Each unit consists of (i) one share of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”), with each such share of Series B Preferred initially convertible into 500 shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.80 per share, subject to future adjustment for various events, and (ii) warrants to purchase 425 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $2.40 per share, subject to future adjustment for various events, which warrants were not exercisable for six months after issuance and have a term of five years from the date of first exercisability (the “Series K Warrants” and together with the Series B Preferred, the “Securities”). The aggregate purchase price for the Securities was $3,600,000, less $532,000 in issuance costs. As of May 10, 2012, 1,727 shares of preferred stock had been converted into 891,601 shares of common stock.

The Certificate of Designation to create the Series B Preferred includes certain negative covenants regarding indebtedness and other matters, and includes provisions under which the holders of the Series B Preferred are entitled to demand redemption for cash upon specified triggering events. The Series B Preferred bears dividends at the rate 4% per year for the first year, and 8% per year thereafter, payable in stock or in cash at our election, subject to certain restrictions.

In connection with the sale of the Securities under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the purchasers (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). In accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, we filed a registration statement, on March 18, 2011, to register for resale the shares of common stock issued and issuable to the purchasers upon conversion of the Series B Preferred and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Series K Warrants. The registration statement was declared effective on June 17, 2011. Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, we are obligated to maintain the effectiveness of the resale registration statement until all securities registered thereunder are sold or otherwise can be sold pursuant to Rule 144, without restriction.

On the date of issuance, we recorded the value of the Series B Preferred of $1.0 million and of the warrants of $2.6 million on our balance sheet. The closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance was used to value the Series B Preferred and we used the Black-Scholes model to value the Series K Warrants. For purposes of calculating the fair value of the warrants, we used a risk free rate of return of 1.4%, an expected life of 4.1 years and a volatility percentage of 103.2%. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is considered a preferred deemed dividend totaling $975,000 to the preferred shareholders, and was charged to additional paid-in capital on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and net loss attributable to common stockholders on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Effective August 23, 2011, we amended our Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series B 4% Convertible Preferred Stock to amend the terms of the outstanding Series B 4% Convertible Preferred Stock. The principal changes included in the Certificate of Amendment are to: (i) add a hard floor price of $0.10 per share of common stock as a limitation to any future conversion price adjustment to the Series B Preferred Stock resulting from future sales of common stock (or common stock equivalents) or at the one year anniversary of the original issuance date (February 18, 2012) if the recent trading price (20 day VWAP) is below the then current conversion price; (ii) reclassify the consequence of certain breaches and triggering events such that the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock would not be entitled to potentially receive cash redemption in such events, but instead would have rights to receive additional shares of common stock (either in the form of increased dividend payments or upon redemption of their Series B Preferred); and (iii) take into account certain adjustment events that have occurred since the Original Filing, including the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our common stock implemented after the close of business on April 13, 2011. The purpose for adopting the Certificate of Amendment was to implement revisions that caused the balance sheet value associated with the Series B Preferred Stock to be treated as stockholders’ equity, rather than as “mezzanine” equity, for accounting purposes.

As a result of our December 30, 2011 stock sale to CBD, the conversion price of the Series B Preferred was reduced to $0.60 per share of common stock. The maximum intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature was previously recorded on the date of issuance for the Series B Preferred and, consequently, no additional preferred deemed dividend was recorded as a result of the reduction in the conversion price of the Series B Preferred.

See Note 12 for a discussion of the accounting treatment of the stock warrant transactions described above.
 
 
11. Stock Option Plan and Stock Incentive Plan
 
On August 8, 2006, we adopted the Akeena Solar, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) pursuant to which shares of common stock are available for issuance to employees, directors and consultants under the Stock Plan as restricted stock and/or options to purchase common stock. The Stock Plan allows for issuance of up to 3,000,000 shares and there were 2,118,352 shares available for issuance under the Stock Plan as of March 31, 2012.

Restricted stock and options to purchase common stock may be issued under the Stock Plan. The restriction period on restricted stock grants generally expires at a rate of 25% per year over four years, unless decided otherwise by our Compensation Committee. Options to purchase common stock generally vest and become exercisable as to one-third of the total amount of shares subject to the option on each of the first, second and third anniversaries from the date of grant. Options to purchase common stock generally have a 5-year term.

We use the Black-Scholes-Merton Options Pricing Model (Black-Scholes) to estimate fair value of our employee and our non-employee director stock-based awards. Black-Scholes requires various judgmental assumptions, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates. If we had made different assumptions, the amount of our deferred stock-based compensation, stock-based compensation expense, gross margin, net loss and net loss per share amounts could have been significantly different. We believe that we have used reasonable methodologies, approaches and assumptions to determine the fair value of our common stock, and that our deferred stock-based compensation and related amortization were recorded properly for accounting purposes. If any of the assumptions we used change significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period.

We measure compensation expense for non-employee stock-based compensation under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 505-50, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees.” The fair value of the option issued is used to measure the transaction, as this is more reliable than the fair value of the services received. The estimated fair value is measured utilizing Black-Scholes using the value of our common stock on the date that the commitment for performance by the counterparty has been reached or the counterparty’s performance is complete (generally the vesting date). The fair value of the equity instrument is charged directly to expense and additional paid-in capital.

We recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $296,000 and $418,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relating to compensation expense calculated based on the fair value at the time of grant for restricted stock and based on Black-Scholes for stock options granted under the Stock Plan.

The following table sets forth a summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

   
Number of Restricted Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Outstanding and not vested beginning balance at January 1, 2012
    289,795     $ 1.92  
Granted
    230,231     $ 0.58  
Forfeited/cancelled
    (3,559 )   $ 5.20  
Released/vested
    (133,577 )   $ 1.09  
Outstanding and not vested at March 31, 2012
    382,890     $ 1.38  

Restricted stock is valued at the grant date fair value of the common stock and expensed over the requisite service period or vesting period. We estimate forfeitures when recognizing stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock, and the estimate of forfeitures is adjusted over the requisite service period should actual forfeitures differ from such estimates. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was approximately $449,000 and $465,000, respectively, of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense associated with the granted but unvested restricted stock. Stock-based compensation expense relating to these restricted shares is being recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $84,000 and $76,000, respectively. Tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows on our consolidated statements of cash flows. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no excess tax benefits relating to restricted stock and therefore there is no impact on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.



The following table sets forth a summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

   
Number of Shares Subject to Option
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2012
    1,077,744     $ 5.47  
Granted
        $  
Forfeited/cancelled/expired
    (52,083 )   $ 2.70  
Exercised
        $  
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    1,025,661     $ 5.62  
Exercisable at March 31, 2012
    631,457     $ 7.52  

Stock options are valued at the estimated fair value grant date or the measurement date and expensed over the requisite service period or vesting period. The weighted-average volatility was based upon the historical volatility of our common stock price. The fair value of stock option grants during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

   
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Weighted-average volatility
          103.1 %
Expected dividends
          0.0 %
Expected life
       
3.0 years
 
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate
          1.2 %

The weighted-average remaining contractual term for the stock options outstanding (vested and expected to vest) and exercisable as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, was 2.8 years and 3.2 years, respectively. The total estimated fair value of stock options vested during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $327,000 and $332,000. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2012 was zero.

We estimate forfeitures when recognizing stock-based compensation expense for stock options and the estimate of forfeitures is adjusted over the requisite service period should actual forfeitures differ from such estimates. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was approximately $281,000 and $520,000, respectively, of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options granted. Stock-based compensation expense relating to these stock options is being recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. Tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) is classified as financing cash flows on our consolidated statements of cash flows. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there were no excess tax benefits relating to stock options and therefore there is no impact on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
 
12. Stock Warrants and Warrant Liability

During March 2009, in connection with an equity financing, we issued Series E Warrants to purchase 334,822 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.36 per share. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 2.69%, an expected life of five years; an expected volatility factor of 112% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The value assigned to these warrants was approximately $1.0 million, of which $1.0 million was reflected as common stock warrant liability with an offset to additional paid-in capital as of the offering close date. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.2%, an expected life of 1.9 years; an expected volatility factor of 109.3% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The fair value of the warrants decreased to $20,000 as of March 31, 2012 and we recognized a $12,000 unfavorable non-cash adjustment from the change in fair value of these warrants for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

On June 1, 2009, we entered into an amendment agreement (the “Amendment Agreement”) with investors who had previously acquired Series G Warrants. Pursuant to the Amendment Agreement, the investors purchased 156,250 shares of our common stock through the exercise of a portion of their Series G Warrants, with gross proceeds to us of $700,000. In conjunction with that exercise, we issued new Series H Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 156,250 shares of Common Stock at a strike price of $5.36 per share. The Series H Warrants became exercisable on December 1, 2009 and had a term of nine months from the day they first become exercisable. In conjunction with the May 17, 2010 transaction discussed below, the expiration date for the Series H Warrants was extended.

On May 17, 2010, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement and issued Series I Warrants to purchase 339,677 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.40 per share (the “Series I Warrants”). The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted-average assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 1.28%, an expected life of 4.1 years; an expected volatility factor of 107% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The estimated value of these warrants was approximately $950,000. Under the May 17, 2010 Securities Purchase Agreement, we also agreed to extend the term of the remainder of our outstanding Series H Warrants until December 1, 2011. The estimated value assigned to the extension of these warrants was approximately $210,000.
 

On October 7, 2010, we entered into a securities purchase agreement and issued Series J Warrants to purchase 400,001 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.44 per share. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted-average assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 0.54%, an expected life of 4.1 years; an expected volatility factor of 103.7% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The estimated value of these warrants was approximately $694,000, which was allocated to additional paid in capital. Under the securities purchase agreement, we also agreed to amend the outstanding Series I Warrants, such that the exercise price of the Series I Warrants was reduced to $2.44 per share. In addition, with respect to 45% of the shares of common stock subject to each of the Series I Warrants, (i) each warrant was not exercisable until the six month anniversary of the closing under the securities Purchase agreement, and (ii) the expiration date was extended such that the warrant is exercisable for five years from the delayed initial exercise date. The outstanding Series I Warrants were originally issued on May 17, 2010, and represent the right to purchase up to an aggregate of 339,677 shares of our common stock. The estimated value assigned to the reduction in exercise price and extension of these warrants was approximately $97,000. As the terms of the Series I Warrants are classified as equity, as opposed to liability, there was no accounting impact as a result of the amendment to the Series I Warrant agreement.

On February 17, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement and issued Series K Warrants to purchase up to 1,700,002 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.40 per share, which warrants are not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five and one-half years. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted-average assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 1.4%, an expected life of 4.1 years; an expected volatility factor of 103.2% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The estimated value of these warrants was approximately $2.6 million, of which $2.6 million was reflected as common stock warrant liability with an offset to preferred stock as of the offering close date. As a result of the August 16, 2011 security sale, the exercise price of the Series K warrants was reduced from $2.40 to $1.01; as a result of the September 28, 2011 security sale, the exercise price of the Series K warrants was further reduced from $1.01 to $0.80. The estimated value assigned to the reduction in exercise price was $270,000 and $50,000, respectively, on August 16, 2011 and September 28, 2011, and we recognized a non-cash charge from the change in the fair value of the warrants. During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, 472,222 Series K Warrants were exercised at a price of $0.60 and total proceeds of approximately $283,000. As a result of the exercise, we recognized approximately $253,000 in the change in the estimated value assigned to the warrants as an increase to equity and a decrease to the warrant liability. On March 30, 2012, we entered into an Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement with the holders of the remaining Series K warrants (Series K Amendment) reducing the exercise price to $0.40 and removing provisions for any future price adjustment to the exercise price. On March 30, 2012, the fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.5%, an expected life of 3.0 years; an expected volatility factor of 109.3% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The fair value of the warrants increased to approximately $481,000 as of March 30, 2012 and we recognized a $425,000 unfavorable non-cash adjustment from the change in fair value of these warrants for the three months ended March 31, 2012. As a result of the Series K Amendment, the fair value of the warrants of approximately $481,000 was reclassified from warrant liability to equity.

In connection with the February 17, 2011 securities purchase agreement, we issued as a placement agent fee to our financial advisory firm warrants to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.44 per share, with a term of five years. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted-average assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 1.4%, an expected life of 3.8 years; an expected volatility factor of 103.2% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The estimated value of these warrants was approximately $89,000 which was reflected as a reduction in the net proceeds of the preferred stock with an offset to additional paid in capital as of the offering close date.

On August 16, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement and issued Series L Warrants to purchase up to 643,564 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.17 per share, which warrants were not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five and one-half years. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted-average assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 0.3%, an expected life of 4.1 years; an expected volatility factor of 109.5% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The estimated value of these warrants was approximately $554,000. In connection with the August 16, 2011 securities purchase agreement, we agreed to extend the term of the remainder of our outstanding Series J Warrants until March 28, 2017. The estimated value assigned to the reduction in exercise price and extension of these warrants was approximately $86,000. As the terms of the Series J Warrants are classified as equity, as opposed to liability, there was no accounting impact as a result of the amendment to the Series J Warrant agreement.

On September 28, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement and issued Series M Warrants to purchase up to 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.81 per share, which warrants are not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five and one-half years. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted-average assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 0.4%, an expected life of 4.1 years; an expected volatility factor of 109.1% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The estimated value of these warrants was approximately $193,000. In connection with the September 28, 2011 securities purchase agreement, we agreed to extend the term of the remainder of our outstanding Series L Warrants until March 28, 2017. The estimated value assigned to the reduction in exercise price and extension of these warrants was approximately $31,000. As the terms of the Series L Warrants are classified as equity, as opposed to liability, there was no accounting impact as a result of the amendment to the Series L Warrant agreement.

The following table summarizes the Warrant activity for the three months ending March 31, 2012:

   
Warrants for Number of Shares
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2012
    4,106,016     $ 3.57  
Issued
        $  
Exercised
    (472,222 )   $ 0.60  
Cancelled/expired
        $  
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    3,633,794     $ 3.89  
 
 
13. Earnings Per Share

On January 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 260 (formerly Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (FSP) Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 03-6-1) (ASC 260), Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (the “Staff Position”), which states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and shall be included in the computation of net income (loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method described in ASC 260 (formerly Statement of  Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128), Earnings Per Share.
 
 
In accordance with the Staff Position, basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss), excluding net income (loss) attributable to participating securities, by the weighted average number of shares outstanding less the weighted average unvested restricted shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss), excluding net income (loss) attributable to participating securities, by the denominator for basic net income (loss) per share and any dilutive effects of stock options, restricted stock, convertible notes and warrants.

On April 6, 2011, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a reverse split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-4. The reverse stock split became effective at the close of business on April 13, 2011. All historical share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split. The par value of our common stock did not change. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share (unaudited):


   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Basic:
           
Numerator:
           
Net loss
  $ (2,851,088 )   $ (1,313,489 )
Less: Net loss allocated to participating securities
    56,140       16,583  
Net loss attributable to stockholders
    (2,794,948 )     (1,296,906 )
Preferred stock dividend
    (21,259 )      
Preferred deemed dividend
          (975,460 )
    $ (2,816,207 )   $ (2,272,366 )
Denominator:
               
Weighted-average shares outstanding
    16,470,271       11,507,007  
Weighted-average unvested restricted shares outstanding
    (324,309 )     (145,286 )
Denominator for basic net loss per share
    16,145,962       11,361,726  
                 
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.20 )
                 
Diluted:
               
Numerator:
               
Net loss
  $ (2,851,088 )   $ (1,313,489 )
Less: Net loss allocated to participating securities
    56,140       16,583  
Net loss attributable to stockholders
    (2,794,948 )     (1,296,906 )
Preferred stock dividend
    (21,259 )      
Preferred deemed dividend
          (975,460 )
    $ (2,816,207 )   $ (2,272,366 )
Denominator:
               
Denominator for basic calculation
    16,145,962       11,361,726  
Weighted-average effect of dilutive stock options
           
Denominator for diluted net loss per share
    16,145,962       11,361,726  
                 
Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.20 )

The following table sets forth potential shares of common stock at the end of each period presented that are not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive:

   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Stock options outstanding
    1,025,661       1,077,744  
Unvested restricted stock
    382,890       289,795  
Warrants to purchase common stock
    3,633,794       4,106,016  
Preferred stock convertible into common stock
    3,409,029       3,409,029  

 

14. Concentration of Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to credit risk are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, which are maintained at high quality financial institutions. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was approximately $323,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit of $250,000.

The relative magnitude and the mix of revenue from our largest customers have varied significantly quarter to quarter. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, three customers have accounted for significant revenues, varying by period, to our company: Lennar Corporation (Lennar), a leading national homebuilder, Lennox International Inc. (Lennox), a global leader in the heating and air conditioning markets, and Real Goods Solar (Real Goods), a leading residential solar energy installation company/integrator. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the percentages of sales to Lennar, Lennox and Real Goods are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Lennar Corporation
    18.9 %     5.6 %
Lennox International Inc.
    45.8 %     42.1 %
Real Goods Solar
          12.7 %

Lennar had no receivable balance as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Lennox accounted for 32.3% and 23.1% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. Real Goods accounted for 1.7% and 1.2% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Over time, as we work to add additional distributors to our network and to grow our distribution business, we anticipate the relative significance to our revenue of any particular customer will decline.

We maintain reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have generally not exceeded management’s estimates. Our top three vendors accounted for approximately 61.8% and 37.8% of materials purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At March 31, 2012, accounts payable included amounts owed to these top three vendors of approximately $1.1 million. At December 31, 2011, accounts payable included amounts owed to the top three vendors of approximately $3.3 million.

Historically, we obtained virtually all of our solar panels from Suntech. On March 25, 2011, we entered into a volume supply agreement for a new generation of our solar panel products with Light Way Green New Energy Co., Ltd (Lightway), and in August 2011, we began purchasing solar panels from Lightway. Both Suntech and Lightway manufacture panels for us that are built to our unique specifications. We currently purchase all of the microinverters used in our AC solar panels from Enphase. Although we had an adequate amount of inventory on hand as of March 31, 2012, and although we believe we could find alternative suppliers for solar panels manufactured to our specifications, and alternative suppliers for microinverters, on comparable terms, the sudden loss of any of our current primary component supply relationships could be disruptive to our operations. In recent months, because of our cash position and liquidity constraints, we have been late in making payments to both of our panel suppliers. On March 30, 2012, pursuant to our Supply Agreement with Lightway, we issued 1,900,000 shares of our common stock to Lightway in partial payment of our past due account payable to them. The shares were valued at $1,045,000. On May 1, 2012, Suntech America filed a lawsuit against us for breach of contract, alleging that it delivered products to us and has not received full payment. We currently do not have any unshipped orders for solar panel product pending with Suntech. We have pending and planned orders for additional shipments of product from Lightway. Unless we are able to satisfy our panel suppliers that we will make timely payment for future product orders, our suppliers may delay further shipments to us, which could result in decreased sales and revenue for us, and adversely affect our customer relationships and result in cancelled orders.
 
15. Fair Value Measurement

We use a fair-value approach to value certain assets and liabilities. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. We use a fair value hierarchy, which distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:

Level one — Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
   
Level two — Inputs other than level one inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
   
Level three — Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions, which are developed by the reporting entity and reflect those assumptions that a market participant would use.

Determining which category an asset or liability falls within the hierarchy requires significant judgment. We evaluate our hierarchy disclosures each quarter. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows (unaudited):

Liabilities
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
March 31, 2012
 
Fair value of common stock warrant liability
  $     $     $ 20,425     $ 20,425  
Accrued rent related to office closures
                51,829       51,829  
Total
  $     $     $ 72,254     $ 72,254  

A discussion of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the common stock warrants is in Note 13. The accrued rent relates to a non-cash charge for the closure of our Anaheim, Clovis and San Diego, California locations, calculated by discounting the future lease payments to their present value using a risk-free discount rate from 0.0% to 1.2%. The accrued rent is included within liabilities of discontinued operations and long-term liabilities of discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheets.

The following table shows the changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2012:
 
   
Other Liabilities*
   
Common Stock Warrant Liability
   
Total Level 3
 
Beginning balance – January 1, 2012
  $ 79,888     $ 317,490     $ 397,378  
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses
    140       436,943       436,803  
Repayments
    (28,199 )           (28,199 )
Net transfers in and/or (out) of level 3
          (734,008 )     (734,008 )
Ending balance – March 31, 2012
  $ 51,829     $ 20,425     $ 72,254  

*           Represents the estimated fair value of the office closures included in accrued and other long-term liabilities.

16. Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes arise from timing differences resulting from income and expense items reported for financial account and tax purposes in different periods. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there was no income tax expense or benefit for federal and state income taxes in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations due to our net loss and a valuation allowance on the resulting deferred tax asset. Our deferred tax asset has a 100% valuation allowance.



17. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

On October 4, 2011, we filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (“ITC”) accusing Zep and Canadian Solar of infringing two Westinghouse Solar patents. On November 2, 2011, the ITC initiated an investigation based on our complaint (the “ITC Action”). The ITC has set a hearing date before the presiding Administrative Law Judge on September 24, 2012, and a target date to complete its investigation of May 8, 2013. On April 11, 2012, the Administrative Law Judge issued an order continuing certain dates in the procedural schedule and suspending activity in the case for approximately 30 days.

On December 20, 2011, Zep filed a complaint against us and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division alleging that certain of our products infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,952,537 (the “’537 District Court Action”). On April 27, 2012, the Court entered an order continuing certain pre-trial dates to suspend activity in the case for approximately 30 days.
 
On May 1, 2012, Suntech America, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Suntech America”), filed a complaint for breach of contract, goods sold and delivered, account stated and open account against us in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. Suntech America alleges that it delivered products to us and did not receive full payment by us. Suntech America seeks $989,771 plus interest. We plan to file an answer to the Suntech America complaint. As of March 31, 2011, a balance of $989,771 due to Suntech America is included in accounts payable in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Suntech America complaint is related to the Manufacturing and Purchase Agreement, between the Company, Andalay Solar, Inc. and Suntech Power Co., Ltd., dated December 28, 2007.
 
We are also involved in other litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

18. Subsequent Events

On May 7, 2012, we entered into a Merger Agreement with CBD. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, a subsidiary of CBD will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company to be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBD. Completion of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approvals by the Company and CBD. See Item 5, Part II (Other Information) for additional information.


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

All references to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Westinghouse Solar”).
 
The following discussion highlights what we believe are the principal factors that have affected our financial condition and results of operations as well as our liquidity and capital resources for the periods described. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains “forward-looking statements,” including but not limited to expectations regarding revenue growth, net sales, gross profit, operating expenses and performance objectives, and statements using the terms “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “could,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “intends,” “potential,” “continue,” “should,” “may,” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks described below in Item 1A. of Part II of this Quarterly Report. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect our future business and financial results and financial condition can be found in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Company Overview

We are a designer and manufacturer of solar power systems and solar panels with integrated microinverters (which we call AC solar panels). We design, market and sell these solar power systems to solar installers, trade workers and do-it-yourself customers in the United States and Canada through distribution partnerships, our dealer network and retail outlets. Our products are designed for use in solar power systems for residential and commercial rooftop customers. Prior to September 2010, we were also in the solar power installation business.

In September 2007, we introduced our new “plug and play” solar panel technology (under the brand name “Andalay”), which we believe significantly reduces the installation time and costs, and provides superior reliability and aesthetics, when compared to other solar panel mounting products and technology. Our panel technology offers the following features: (i) mounts closer to the roof with less space in between panels; (ii) all black appearance with no unsightly racks underneath or beside panels; (iii) built-in wiring connections; (iv) approximately 70% fewer roof-assembled parts and approximately 50% less roof-top labor required; (v) approximately 25% fewer roof attachment points; (vi) complete compliance with the National Electric Code and UL wiring and grounding requirements. We have three U.S. patents (Patent No. 7,406,800, Patent No. 7,832,157 and Patent No. 7,866,098) that cover key aspects of our solar panel technology, as well as U.S. Trademark No. 3481373 for registration of the mark “Andalay.” In addition to these U.S. patents, we received three foreign patents in 2010: Australian Patent No. 2,005,248,343; Indian Patent No. 243,626; and Mexican Patent No. 274,182. A Korean Patent No. 751,614 was issued in 2007. Currently, we have seven issued patents and eighteen other pending U.S. and foreign patent applications that cover the Andalay technology working their way through the USPTO and foreign patent offices.

In February 2009, we announced a strategic relationship with Enphase, a leading manufacturer of microinverters, to develop and market solar panel systems with ordinary AC house current output instead of high voltage DC output. We introduced Andalay AC panel products and began offering them to our customers in the second quarter of 2009. Andalay AC panels cost less to install, are safer, and generally provide higher energy output than ordinary DC panels. Andalay AC panels deliver 5-25% more energy compared to ordinary panels, produce safe household AC power, and have built-in panel level monitoring, racking, wiring, grounding and microinverters. With 80% fewer parts and 5 – 25% better performance than ordinary DC panels, we believe Andalay AC panels are an ideal solution for solar installers, trade workers and do-it-yourself customers.

On May 17, 2010, we entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement that permits us to distribute and market our solar panels under the Westinghouse name. On July 22, 2010, we announced that we will operate under the name “Westinghouse Solar” and, effective July 23, 2010 at the opening of the market, our stock began trading under the stock symbol “WEST” on the NASDAQ Capital Market, and we are listed as Westinghouse Solar, Inc.

As a result of our announced exit from the solar panel installation business, our installation business has been reclassified in our financial statements as discontinued operations. The exit from the installation business was essentially completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2010.

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 31, 2011, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to formally change our name from “Akeena Solar, Inc.” to “Westinghouse Solar, Inc.”. The name change became effective on April 6, 2011. Also on April 6, 2011, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a reverse split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-4. The reverse stock split became effective at the close of business on April 13, 2011.

On May 7, 2012, we entered into a Merger Agreement with CBD. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, a subsidiary of CBD will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company to be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBD. Completion of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approvals by the Company and CBD. See Item 5, Part II (Other Information) for additional information.
 

Concentration of Risk in Customer and Supplier Relationships

The relative magnitude and the mix of revenue from our largest customers have varied significantly quarter to quarter. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, three customers have accounted for significant revenues, varying by period, to our company: Lennar Corporation (Lennar), a leading national homebuilder, Lennox International Inc. (Lennox), a global leader in the heating and air conditioning markets, and Real Goods Solar (Real Goods), a leading residential solar energy installation company/integrator. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the percentages of sales to Lennar, Lennox and Real Goods are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Lennar Corporation
    18.9 %     5.6 %
Lennox International Inc.
    45.8 %     42.1 %
Real Goods Solar
          12.7 %


Lennar had no receivable balance as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Lennox accounted for 32.3% and 23.1% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. Real Goods accounted for 1.7% and 1.2% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Over time, as we work to add additional distributors to our network and to grow our distribution business, we anticipate the relative significance to our revenue of any particular customer will decline.

We maintain reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have generally not exceeded management’s estimates. Our top three vendors accounted for approximately 61.8% and 37.8% of materials purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At March 31, 2012, accounts payable included amounts owed to these top three vendors of approximately $1.1 million. At December 31, 2011, accounts payable included amounts owed to the top three vendors of approximately $3.3 million.

Historically, we obtained virtually all of our solar panels from Suntech. On March 25, 2011, we entered into a volume supply agreement for a new generation of our solar panel products with Light Way Green New Energy Co., Ltd (Lightway), and in August 2011, we began purchasing solar panels from Lightway. Both Suntech and Lightway manufacture panels for us that are built to our unique specifications. We currently purchase all of the microinverters used in our AC solar panels from Enphase. Although we had a significant amount of inventory on hand as of March 31, 2012, and although we believe we could find alternative suppliers for solar panels manufactured to our specifications, and alternative suppliers for microinverters, on comparable terms, the sudden loss of any of our current primary component supply relationships could cause a delay in manufacturing and be disruptive to our operations. In recent months, because of our cash position and liquidity constraints, we have been late in making payments to both of our panel suppliers. On March 30, 2012, pursuant to our Supply Agreement with Lightway, we issued 1,900,000 shares of our common stock to Lightway in partial payment of our past due account payable to them. The shares were valued at $1,045,000. On May 1, 2012, Suntech America filed a lawsuit against us for breach of contract, alleging that it delivered products to us and has not received full payment. We currently do not have any unshipped orders for solar panel product pending with Suntech. We have pending and planned orders for additional shipments of product from Lightway. Unless we are able to satisfy our panel suppliers that we will make timely payment for future product orders, our suppliers may delay further shipments to us, which could result in decreased sales and revenue for us, and adversely affect our customer relationships and result in cancelled orders.
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 as Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our operations, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of net sales:

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net revenue
  $ 2,422,340       100.0 %   $ 1,994,362       100.0 %
Cost of goods sold
    2,179,969       90.0 %     1,716,563       86.1 %
        Gross profit
    242,371       10.0 %     277,799       13.9 %
Operating expenses
                               
Sales and marketing
    623,180       25.7 %     346,328       17.4 %
General and administrative
    2,063,409       85.2 %     1,678,945       84.2 %
Total operating expenses
    2,686,589       110.9 %     2,025,273       101.5 %
Loss from continuing operations
    (2,444,218 )     (100.9 )%     (1,747,474 )     (87.6 )%
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest income (expense), net
    4,220       0.2 %     (22,701 )     (1.1 )%
Adjustment to the fair value of common stock warrants
    (436,943 )     (18.0 )%     462,948       23.2 %
Total other income (expense)
    (432,723 )     (17.9 )%     440,247       22.1 %
Loss before provision for income taxes and discontinued operations
    (2,876,941 )     (118.8 )%     (1,307,227 )     (65.5 )%
Provision for income taxes
          0.0 %           0.0 %
Net loss from continuing operations (Note 3)
    (2,876,941 )     (118.8 )%     (1,307,227 )     (65.5 )%
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    25,853       1.1 %     (6,262 )     (0.3 )%
Net loss
    (2,851,088 )     (117.7 )%     (1,313,489 )     (65.9 )%
Preferred stock dividend
    (21,259 )     (0.9 )%           0.0 %
Preferred deemed dividend
          0.0 %     (975,460 )     (48.9 )%
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
  $ (2,872,347 )     (118.6 )%   $ (2,288,949 )     (114.8 )%
                                 
                                 
Net loss per common and common equivalent share (basic and diluted)
  $ (0.17 )           $ (0.20 )        
                                 
Weighted average shares used in computing loss per common share: (basic and diluted)
    16,145,962               11,361,726          
 
Discontinued operations

As a result of the exit from the installation business on September 7, 2010, and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the installation business operation has been reclassified to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The installation business segment had historically been our core business and represented most of our revenue.

Net revenue

We generate revenue from the sale of solar power systems. In the three months ended March 31, 2012, we generated $2.4 million of revenue, an increase of $428,000, or 21.5%, compared to $2.0 million of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in revenue was due to a larger unit volume of product sales as a result of the growth of our network of distribution dealers, increased sales to our strategic partners and more competitive pricing.



Cost of goods sold
 
Cost of goods sold as a percent of revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2012, was 90.0% of net revenue, compared to 86.1% during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $242,000, or 10.0% of revenue, compared to $278,000 or 13.9% of revenue for the same period in 2011. The decrease in gross margin in the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, was due to lower average selling prices, partially offset by a decline in panel and component costs.
 
Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $623,000, or 25.7% of net revenue as compared to $346,000, or 17.4% of net revenue during the same period of the prior year. The increase in sales and marketing expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012, reflects higher expenditures for Westinghouse licensing fees, trade shows and advertising expense of $235,000, supporting the expansion of our distribution business, payroll and commissions of $20,000 and stock compensation expense of $18,000.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $2.1 million, or 85.2% of net revenue as compared to $1.7 million, or 84.2% of net revenue during the same period of the prior year. The increase in general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was due primarily to increases in professional fees of $585,000, insurance costs of $57,000, bad debt expense of $46,000 and research and development costs of $37,000, partially offset by decreases in stock compensation expense of $140,000, and payroll costs of $114,000.

Interest, net

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, net interest income was approximately $4,000 compared with net interest expense of $23,000 for the same period in 2011.
 
Adjustment to the fair value of common stock warrants

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recorded mark-to-market adjustments to reflect the fair value of outstanding common stock warrants accounted for as a liability, resulting in an unrealized loss of $437,000 in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the warrants is lower now primarily due to a decrease in the price of our common stock and a shorter life for the remainder of our outstanding warrants. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded mark-to-market adjustments resulting in a $463,000 unrealized gain in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Income taxes

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, there was no income tax expense or benefit for federal and state income taxes reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of operations due to our net loss and a valuation allowance on the resulting deferred tax asset.

Net loss from continuing operations

Net loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $2.9 million, or $0.17 per share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $1.3 million, or $0.11 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the net loss includes an unfavorable non-cash adjustment to the fair value of common stock warrants of $437,000 compared with a favorable non-cash adjustment to the fair value of the common stock warrants of $463,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Excluding the impact of the common stock warrant adjustments in both periods, net loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $2.4 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.15 per share, for the first quarter of 2011.
 
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, we recorded a $26,000 net gain from the discontinuance of our installation business segment, compared with a loss of $6,000 during the same period in 2011.
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The current economic downturn presents us with challenges in meeting the working capital needs of our business. Our primary requirements for working capital are to fund purchases for solar panels and microinverters, and to cover our payroll and lease expenses. For the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and for each of the two years in the period ending December 31, 2011, we had incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. In addition, we expect to incur a net loss from operations for the year ending December 31, 2012. During recent years, we have undertaken several equity financing transactions to provide the capital needed to sustain and to grow our business. Based on current cash projections for 2012, which contemplate a smaller operating loss and reaching breakeven cash flow from operations in the second half of the year, we intend to address ongoing working capital needs through cost reduction measures recently implemented and utilization of existing inventory, along with utilizing our available credit facility and raising additional equity. In the event that revenue is lower, further staffing reductions and expense cuts could occur. Our revenue levels remain difficult to predict, and we anticipate that we will continue to sustain losses in the near term, and we cannot assure investors that we will be successful in reaching break-even.
 
As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $615,000 in cash on hand and $750,000 available under our credit facility. As an additional source of capital, outstanding warrants provide the possibility to receive additional proceeds upon exercise, depending on market conditions. During the quarter ending March 31, 2012, warrants to purchase 472,222 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.60 per share were exercised, resulting in approximately $283,000 in proceeds. We are seeking potential investors to obtain additional funding, and we have engaged an investment banker to facilitate these efforts.
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern. Our significant operating losses and negative cash flow from operations raise substantial uncertainty about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty, and contemplate the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. We believe our current cash balance, projected financial results from our operations, and the amounts that should be available to us through debt and equity financing provide sufficient resources and operating flexibility to fund our anticipated cash needs, through at least the next 12 months; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. The current economic downturn adds uncertainty to our anticipated revenue levels and to the timing of cash receipts, which are needed to support our operations. It also worsens the market conditions for seeking equity and debt financing. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our earnings, if any, for development of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future.
 
On May 7, 2012, we entered into a Merger Agreement with CBD. Under the Merger Agreement, we are required to raise sufficient equity capital, with the cooperation and support of CBD to meet our liquidity and working capital requirements. In addition, prior to closing of the merger, CBD has agreed to provide capital funding support to the Company if necessary, and subject to conditions and limitations as provided in the Merger Agreement.

Our Line of Credit

On February 15, 2011, we entered into the 2011 Credit Facility with Bridge Bank to finance our accounts receivables. The 2011 Credit Facility provides for a credit limit of $750,000, representing the maximum amount of advances based on up to 50% of $1.5 million of gross eligible accounts receivables. The 2011 Credit Facility may be terminated at any time by either party and may be renewed under similar terms if acceptable and agreed to by the parties. If any advance is not repaid in full within 90 days from the earlier of (a) invoice date, or (b) the date on which such advance is made, we are obligated to immediately pay the outstanding amount to Bridge Bank. Outstanding loans under the 2011 Credit Facility will accrue interest at the Bridge Bank Prime rate plus 3.0% (annualized) of the daily gross financed amount outstanding. The 2011 Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. As of March 31, 2012, there was nothing borrowed under the 2011 Credit Facility.

Equity Financing Activity

On February 17, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional accredited investors relating to the sale of 4,000 units at a price of $900 per unit. Each unit consists of (i) one share of Series B Preferred Stock, with each such share of Series B Preferred Stock initially convertible into 500 shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.80 per share, subject to future adjustment for various events, and (ii) warrants to purchase 425 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $2.40 per share, subject to future adjustment for various events, which warrants are not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five years from the date of first exercisability. The aggregate purchase price for the Securities was $3,600,000. As of May 10, 2012, 1,727 shares of preferred stock had been converted into 891,601 shares of common stock.

On August 16, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional accredited investor relating to the sale of 990,099 shares of common stock at a price of $1.01 per share, along with the sale of Series L Warrants to purchase up to 643,564 shares of common stock (65% of the number of shares of common stock initially issued) at an exercise price of $1.17 per share. The warrants are not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five years from the date they are first exercisable. The aggregate purchase price for the shares and the warrants was $1,000,000. Under the securities purchase agreement, we agreed to amend the outstanding Series J Warrants, such that the exercise price of the Series J Warrants is reduced from $2.44 per share to $1.17 per share. In addition, each of the Series J Warrants, (i) is not exercisable until the six month anniversary of the closing under the August 16, 2011 securities purchase agreement, and (ii) the expiration date is extended such that the warrant is exercisable for five years from the delayed initial exercise date. The outstanding Series J Warrants were originally issued on October 7, 2010, and represent the right to purchase up to an aggregate of 400,001 shares of common stock.

As a result of the August 16, 2011 securities sale, (i) the conversion price of the Series B Preferred was reduced from $1.80 per share of common stock to $1.01 per share of common stock, and (ii) the exercise price of the Series K Warrants was reduced from $2.40 to $1.01 per share. The Series K Warrants were originally issued on February 22, 2011 and represent the right to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,700,002 shares of common stock.

On September 28, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional accredited investor relating to the sale of 500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.80 per share, along with the sale of Series M Warrants to purchase up to 325,000 shares of common stock (65% of the number of shares of common stock initially issued) at an exercise price of $0.81 per share. The warrants are not exercisable until six months after issuance and have a term of five years from the date they are first exercisable. The aggregate purchase price for the shares and the warrants was $500,000. Under the securities purchase agreement, we agreed to amend the outstanding Series L Warrants, such that the exercise price of the Series L Warrants is reduced from $1.17 per share to $0.81 per share. In addition, each of the Series L Warrants, (i) is not exercisable until the six month anniversary of the closing under the September 28, 2011 securities purchase agreement, and (ii) the expiration date is extended such that the warrant is exercisable for five years from the delayed initial exercise date. The outstanding Series L Warrants were originally issued on August 16, 2011, and represent the right to purchase up to an aggregate of 643,564 shares of common stock.
 

On December 30, 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with CBD Energy Limited (“CBD”), an Australian corporation, relating to the sale of 1,666,667 shares of common stock at a price of $0.60 per share. The aggregate purchase price was $1,000,000. See previous discussion in Liquidity and Capital resources on proposed merger with CBD.

As a result of the December 30, 2011 security sale, the conversion price of the Series B Preferred was further reduced from $0.80 per share of common stock to $0.60 per share of common stock, and (ii) the exercise price of the Series K Warrants was further reduced from $0.80 to $0.60 per share. As of March 31, 2012, there were 2,273 shares of Series B Preferred outstanding. After adjustment to the conversion price as a result of the December 30, 2011 securities purchase agreement, the outstanding Series B Preferred is convertible into 3,409,029 shares of common stock.

On March 30, 2012, we entered into an amendment with the outstanding Series K warrants (Series K Amendment) removing the provision for any future price adjustment to the exercise price. On March 30, 2012, the fair value of the warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.5%, an expected life of 3.0 years; an expected volatility factor of 109.3% and a dividend yield of 0.0%. The fair value of the warrants decreased to $481,000 as of March 30, 2012 and we recognized a $425,000 unfavorable non-cash adjustment from the change in fair value of these warrants for the three months ended March 31, 2012. As a result of the March 30, 2012 Series K Amendment the fair value of the warrants of $481,000 was reclassified from warrant liability to equity.

On March 30, 2012, pursuant to a March 25, 2011 supply agreement with Light Way Green New Energy Co., Ltd (Lightway), we issued 1,900,000 share of our common stock to Lightway. The shares were issued at $0.55 per share based on the latest closing sale price on the date of issuance.

Cash flow analysis

Our primary capital requirement is to fund purchases of solar panels and inverters. Significant sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, working capital and proceeds from equity financings. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $615,000 in cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2012 we also had approximately $750,000 in additional borrowing capacity available under our 2011 Credit Facility with Bridge Bank.

Cash used in operating activities was approximately $821,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Excluding non-cash items of $437,000 of unrealized loss on the fair value adjustment of common stock warrants and stock-based compensation expense of $296,000, cash used in operating activities was primarily due to a $435,000 increase in other assets and a $285,000 decrease in accounts payable, offset by a $1.2 million decrease in inventory, a $216,000 decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets and a $203,000 decrease in accounts receivable. The increases and decreases in assets and liabilities were primarily due to the timing of payments and receipts. Cash used in operating activities was approximately $785,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Excluding non-cash items of $463,000 of unrealized gain on the fair value adjustment of common stock warrants and stock-based compensation expense of $418,000, cash used in operating activities was primarily from a $1.1 million decrease in accounts payable, offset by a $1.1 million decrease in inventory, a decrease of $370,000 decrease in assets from discontinued operations and a $333,000 decrease in accounts receivable. The increases and decreases in assets and liabilities were primarily due to the timing of payments and receipts.

Cash provided by investing activities was $171,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to $184,000 in proceeds from disposal of property and equipment from discontinued operations, partially offset by $13,000 in acquisitions of property and equipment.

Cash provided by financing activities was approximately $90,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we received proceeds of $283,000 from the exercise of warrants, partially offset by the repayment of $94,000 of notes payable and $92,000 on our line of credit. Cash provided by financing activities was approximately $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we received proceeds of $3.2 million from the issuance of common stock, net of $352,000 in fees, primarily related to the issuance of common stock.
 
 
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the years ending December 31, 2011 and 2010 as filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K provides a summary of our significant accounting policies, which are all in accordance with generally accepted accounting policies in the United States. Certain of our accounting policies are critical to understanding our consolidated financial statements, because their application requires management to make assumptions about future results and depends to a large extent on management’s judgment, because past results have fluctuated and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

The application of the accounting policies described in the following paragraphs is highly dependent on critical estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and highly susceptible to change. For all these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as estimated, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those discussed below.

Revenue recognition. Revenue from sales of products is recognized when: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the sale price is fixed or determinable, and (4) collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. We recognize revenue when the solar power systems are shipped to the customer.

Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (on an average basis) or market value. We determine cost based on our weighted-average purchase price and include both the costs of acquisition and the shipping costs in our inventory. We regularly review the cost of inventory against its estimated market value and record a lower of cost or market write-down to cost of goods sold, if any inventory has a cost in excess of estimated market value. Our inventory generally has a long life cycle and obsolescence has not historically been a significant factor in its valuation.

Long-lived assets. We periodically review our property and equipment and identifiable intangible assets for possible impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in the evaluation of impairment may affect the carrying value of long-lived assets, which could result in impairment charges in future periods. Significant assumptions and estimates include the projected cash flows based upon estimated revenue and expense growth rates and the discount rate applied to expected cash flows. In addition, our depreciation and amortization policies reflect judgments on the estimated useful lives of assets.

Patent Costs.  We capitalize external legal costs and filing fees associated with obtaining or defending our patents. Upon issuance of new patents or successful defense of existing patents, we amortize these costs using the straight line method over the shorter of the legal life of the patent or its economic life. We believe the remaining useful life we assign to these patents, approximately 12.75 years as of March 31, 2012, are reasonable. We periodically review our patents to determine whether any such cost have been impaired and are no longer being used. To the extent we are no longer using certain patents, the associated costs will be written off at that time.

Stock-based compensation. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton Options Pricing Model (Black-Scholes) to estimate fair value of our employee and our non-employee director stock-based awards. Black-Scholes requires various judgmental assumptions, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates. We measure compensation expense for non-employee stock-based compensation under ASC 505-50, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees.” The fair value of the option issued is used to measure the transaction, as this is more reliable than the fair value of the services received. The estimated fair value is measured utilizing Black-Scholes using the value of our common stock on the date that the commitment for performance by the counterparty has been reached or the counterparty’s performance is complete.

Warranty provision. The manufacturer directly warrants the solar panels and inverters for a range from 15 to 25 years. We warrant the balance of system components of our products against defects in material and workmanship for five years. We assist our customers in the event of a claim under the manufacturer warranty to replace a defective solar panel or inverter.

Common Stock Warrant Liabilities.  In March 2009 and February 2011 we issued warrants to purchase shares of our common stock in connection with certain capital financing transactions. The terms of the warrant agreements related to these two offerings contained a cash-out provision which may be triggered at the option of the warrant holders if the Company “goes private,” is acquired for all cash or upon the occurrence of certain other fundamental transactions involving the Company. In addition, the terms of the warrant agreement related to the February 2011 offering contain a provision that may require us to reduce the exercise price of the warrants to purchase shares of our common stock upon the occurrence of certain lower-priced future offerings of our equity securities. Under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), financial instruments that may require the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets or to reduce the exercise price of its warrants to purchase shares of its common stock are classified as a liability. Therefore, we have classified the warrants as liabilities and will record mark-to-market adjustments to reflect the fair value at each period end.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material changes or developments to the significant accounting policies discussed in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K or accounting pronouncements issued or adopted, except as described below.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU No. 2011-05). ASU No. 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, eliminating the option to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. Under either choice, items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income are required to be presented on the face of the financial statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. We adopted ASU No. 2011-05 on January 1, 2012 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Seasonality
Our quarterly operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter as a result of seasonal changes in weather as well as changes in state or federal subsidies.
 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk represents the risk of changes in the value of market risk sensitive instruments caused by fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in our results of operations and cash flows.

Interest Rate Risk

As of March 31, 2012, there were no borrowings under our Bridge Bank 2011 Credit Facility. If we were to borrow the $750,000 maximum under the 2011 Credit Facility, interest would accrue at the rate of the Bridge Bank Prime rate plus a margin of 3.0%.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We do not have any foreign currency exchange risk as purchases of our solar panels from manufacturers outside the United States and sales of our solar panels to Canada are denominated in U.S. currency.
  
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we and our management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and that our management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.

The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Quarterly Evaluation of Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) to determine whether any change occurred during the first fiscal quarter of 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that there was no such change during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012.


PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
Litigation

On October 4, 2011, we filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (“ITC”) accusing Zep and Canadian Solar of infringing two Westinghouse Solar patents. On November 2, 2011, the ITC initiated an investigation based on our complaint (the “ITC Action”). The ITC has set a hearing date before the presiding Administrative Law Judge on September 24, 2012, and a target date to complete its investigation of May 8, 2013. On April 11, 2012, the Administrative Law Judge issued an order continuing certain dates in the procedural schedule and suspending activity in the case for approximately 30 days.

On December 20, 2011, Zep filed a complaint against us and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division alleging that certain of our products infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,952,537 (the “’537 District Court Action”). On April 27, 2012, the Court entered an order continuing certain pre-trial dates to suspend activity in the case for approximately 30 days.
 
On May 1, 2012, Suntech America, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Suntech America”), filed a complaint for breach of contract, goods sold and delivered, account stated and open account against us in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. Suntech America alleges that it delivered products to us and did not receive full payment by us. Suntech America seeks $989,771 plus interest. We plan to file an answer to the Suntech America complaint. As of March 31, 2011, a balance of $989,771 due to Suntech America is included in accounts payable in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Suntech America complaint is related to the Manufacturing and Purchase Agreement, between the Company, Andalay Solar, Inc. and Suntech Power Co., Ltd., dated December 28, 2007.
 
We are also involved in other litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and information we provide in our press releases, telephonic reports and other investor communications, may contain forward-looking statements with respect to anticipated future events and our projected financial performance, operations and competitive position that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements and our expectations. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially affect revenue, profitability, and growth remain difficult to predict. The factors underlying our forecasts and forward-looking statements are dynamic and subject to change. As a result, any forecasts or forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are given and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time.
 
Risks Relating to Our Business

We will need additional capital in the future to fund our business, and financing may not be available.

Our currently available capital resources and cash flows from operations may be insufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements. Our cash requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the rate of growth of our sales, the timing and levels of products purchased, pricing, payment terms and credit limits from manufacturers, the availability and terms of asset-based credit facilities, the timing and level of our accounts receivable collections, and our ability to manage our business profitability.

We expect to need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings or enter into new asset-based or other credit facilities, but such financings may dilute our stockholders. We cannot assure you that any additional financing that we may need will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. In addition, on May 9, 2012 we announced the execution of an agreement and plan of merger with CBD Energy Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of Australia (“CBD”) by means of a merger in which CBD would become our parent company. This event may diminish our independent access to additional financing. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to take advantage of business opportunities, develop new products or otherwise respond to competitive pressures. In any such case, our business, operating results or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

If the U.S. Government imposes tariffs on solar panels manufactured in China, it will cause the prices we pay for solar panels to increase, and could cause customer demand for our products to decrease.

A group of solar panel manufacturers with domestic U.S. production facilities is seeking to have the U.S. Government impose tariffs on the import of solar panels manufactured in China, based on allegations of unfair competition and of subsidization of prices for Chinese-made solar panels by the Chinese Government. Proceedings are underway at the United States Commerce Department, and the Commerce Department in March 2012 issued a preliminary decision to impose tariffs between 2.9% and 4.73%. A further decision by the Commerce Department on whether Chinese manufacturers are “dumping” solar panels into the U.S. market at prices below their actual cost is anticipated to be announced as early as May 2012. It is uncertain whether the tariff rates will be increased following any such decision by the Commerce Department, but tariff rates as high as 100% have been suggested. Any significant tariffs are expected to be retroactive by up to 90 days before the decision date, as well as prospective. Given the large current market share of solar panels manufactured in China, any imposition of significant tariffs would have far reaching, industry-wide effects, and could be disruptive to many established supply relationships. The imposition of such tariffs would likely cause prices for solar power systems in the United States to increase, possibly significantly, and result in reduced market demand for the purchase of solar power systems. The uncertainty created by concern over potential tariffs is already having a negative effect on our ability to sell products and to forecast our sales.

Our current solar panel suppliers, Suntech and Lightway, both manufacture panels for us in China. If the solar panels provided by our suppliers are subjected to significant tariffs, which will result in an increase in our cost of goods and in the price we must charge to our customers. The price increase could potentially be significant. If our product prices increase, it would harm our competitive position in selling our products, and could adversely affect our results of operations.

We have experienced significant customer concentration in recent periods, and our revenue levels could be adversely affected if any significant customer fails to purchase products from us at anticipated levels.

The relative magnitude and the mix of revenue from our largest customers have varied significantly quarter to quarter, but have been concentrated on a small number of large customers. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, two customers have accounted for a significant portion of our revenues:, Lennox International Inc. (Lennox), a global leader in the heating and air conditioning markets and Lennar Corporation (Lennar), a leading national homebuilder. As of May 10, 2012, Lennar had ordered solar power systems from us for installation on 234 new homes, which was below the 600 home order commitment volume. The volume of orders from key customers is difficult to predict. Fluctuations in order levels from significant customers could cause our revenue levels to correspondingly fluctuate, and the failure by any significant customer to maintain anticipated order levels could cause our revenue to fall short of expectations and adversely affect our results of operations.

 
 
We may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of our shift to a design and manufacturing business model in California and throughout North America, which may adversely affect the value of our common stock.

The success of our exit from the solar system installation business in California in September 2010, and our shift to focus exclusively on a design and manufacturing business model will depend, in large part, on our ability to successfully expand our distribution channels to include authorized dealers in California, as well as elsewhere in North America, and to accelerate the growth of our design and manufacturing business. California is the largest state in the country for solar products, accounting for approximately 50 percent of the U.S. market, and we are only beginning to develop distribution channel partners in California.

If we are not able to achieve the expansion of our design and manufacturing business and meet our revenue growth and cost reduction objectives within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of our change in strategic focus and our restructuring may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our common stock may be adversely affected.

Specifically, risks in the operations of our business in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the change to a design and manufacturing business model include, among other things:

·  
failure to arrange for cost competitive manufacturing of our proprietary solar panels;
·  
failure to find and develop distribution relationships with new channel partners, particularly in the California market;
·  
failure to successfully manage existing distribution relationships;
·  
the loss of key employees critical to the ongoing operation of our business;
·  
failure to effectively coordinate sales and marketing efforts to communicate the capabilities of our company;
·  
unpredictability and delays in the timing of projected distribution orders, and resulting accumulation of excess product inventory;
·  
failure to focus and develop our distribution product and service offerings quickly and effectively;
·  
failure to successfully develop new products and services on a timely basis that address the market opportunities; and
·  
unexpected revenue attrition or delays.

In addition, the shift in our business model may result in additional or unforeseen expenses, and the anticipated cost reduction benefits may not be realized.
 
We are dependent upon our key suppliers for the components used in our systems and we must arrange for cost competitive manufacturing of our proprietary solar panels in order to grow our business; our suppliers are dependent upon the continued availability and pricing of silicon and other raw materials used in solar modules.

Historically, we obtained virtually all of our solar panels from Suntech. On March 25, 2011, we entered into a volume supply agreement for a new generation of our solar panel products with Lightway, and in August 2011, we began purchasing solar panels from Lightway. Both Suntech and Lightway manufacture panels for us that are built to our unique specifications. We currently purchase all of the microinverters used in our AC solar panels from Enphase. Although we had a significant amount of inventory on hand as of March 31, 2012, and although we believe we could find alternative suppliers for solar panels manufactured to our specifications, and alternative suppliers for microinverters, on comparable terms, the sudden loss of any of our current primary component supply relationships could cause a delay in manufacturing and be disruptive to our operations.
 
It is critical to the growth of our revenue that our products be high quality while offered at competitive pricing. We believe that we will need to reduce the unit production cost of our products over time to obtain and maintain our ability to offer competitively priced products. Our ability to achieve cost reductions will depend on our ability to maintain favorable supplier contracts and to increase sales volumes so we can achieve economies of scale. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to achieve any such production cost reductions. If we fail to negotiate better terms and maintain our relationships with our current suppliers or develop new supplier relationships, we may not achieve production cost reductions necessary to competitively price our products, which could adversely affect or limit our sales and growth.
 
We are currently subject to market prices for the components that we purchase, which are subject to fluctuation. We cannot ensure that the prices charged by our suppliers will not increase because of changes in market conditions or other factors beyond our control. An increase in the price of components used in our systems could result in an increase in costs to our customers and could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and demand for our products.
 
Our suppliers are dependent upon the availability and pricing of silicon, one of the main materials used in manufacturing solar panels. In the past, the world market for solar panels experienced a shortage of supply due to insufficient availability of silicon. This shortage caused the prices for solar modules to increase.
 
Interruptions in our ability to procure needed components for our systems, whether due to discontinuance by our suppliers, delays or failures in delivery, shortages caused by inadequate production capacity or unavailability, financial failure, manufacturing quality, or for other reasons, would adversely affect or limit our sales and growth. There is no assurance that we will continue to find qualified manufacturers on acceptable terms and, if we do, there can be no assurance that product quality will continue to be acceptable, which could lead to a loss of sales and revenues.
 
We are dependent upon our solar panel suppliers for regular shipments of products; however we have not been timely in payment to them in recent periods, which may result in delays or disruption in our supply of products.

Historically, we obtained virtually all of our solar panels from Suntech. On March 25, 2011, we entered into a volume supply agreement for a new generation of our solar panel products with Lightway, and in August 2011, we began purchasing solar panels from Lightway. Both Suntech and Lightway manufacture panels for us that are built to our unique specifications. Although we had a significant amount of inventory on hand as of March 31, 2012, and although we believe we could find alternative suppliers for solar panels manufactured to our specifications, the disruption or loss of our current primary component supply relationships would be disruptive to our operations.  In recent months, because of our cash position and liquidity constraints, we have been late in making payments to both of our panel suppliers. On March 30, 2012, pursuant to our Supply Agreement with Lightway, we issued 1,900,000 shares of our common stock to Lightway in partial payment of our past due account payable to them. The shares were valued at $1,045,000. On May 1, 2012, Suntech America filed a lawsuit against us for breach of contract, alleging that it delivered products to us and has not received full payment, and seeking payment of approximately $990,000. We currently do not have any unshipped orders for solar panel product pending with Suntech. We have pending and planned orders for additional shipments of product from Lightway. Unless we are able to satisfy our panel suppliers that we will make timely payment for future product orders, our suppliers may delay further shipments to us, which could result in decreased sales and revenue for us, and adversely affect our customer relationships and result in canalled orders.
 
We are exposed to risks associated with the weak global economy, which increase the uncertainty of project financing for solar installations and the risk of non-payment from customers.

The continuing tight credit markets and weak global economy are contributing to an ongoing slowdown in the solar industry, which may worsen if these economic conditions are prolonged or deteriorate further. The market for installation of solar power systems depends largely on commercial and consumer capital spending. Economic uncertainty exacerbates negative trends in these areas of spending, and may cause customers to push out, cancel, or refrain from placing orders, which may reduce our net sales. Difficulties in obtaining capital and adverse market conditions may also lead to the inability of some customers to obtain affordable financing, including traditional project financing and tax-incentive based financing and home equity based financing, resulting in lower sales to potential customers with liquidity issues, and may lead to an increase of incidents where our customers are unwilling or unable to pay for systems they purchase, and additional bad debt expense for us. Further, these conditions and uncertainty about future economic conditions make it challenging for us to obtain equity and debt financing to meet our working capital requirements to support our business, forecast our operating results, make business decisions, and identify the risks that may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to timely and appropriately adapt to changes resulting from the difficult macroeconomic environment, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
 
 
Our technology may encounter unexpected problems or may not be protectable, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our technology is relatively new and has not been tested in installation settings for a sufficient period of time to prove its long-term effectiveness and benefits. Problems may occur with products or their underlying components that are unexpected and could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. We have been issued several U.S. and foreign patents that cover key claims of our Andalay solar panel technology, and we are asserting claims of infringement of our patent rights in a lawsuit and in an action before the International Trade Commission. Lawsuits and re-examination proceedings in the United States or elsewhere could challenge the scope or enforceability of our patent claims. We have several other pending patent applications covering Andalay technology. Ultimately, we may not be able to realize the benefits from any patent that is issued.

Because our industry is highly competitive and has low barriers to entry, we may lose market share to larger companies that are better equipped to weather a decline in market conditions due to increased competition.

Our industry is highly competitive and fragmented, is subject to rapid change and has low barriers to entry. Competition in the solar power services industry may increase in the future, partly due to low barriers to entry, as well as from other alternative energy sources now in existence or developed in the future. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced margins or loss of market share and greater competition for qualified technical personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to compete effectively, or if competition results in a deterioration of market conditions, our business and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Our profitability depends, in part, on our success and brand recognition and we could lose our competitive advantage if we are not able to protect our trademarks and patents against infringement, and any related litigation could be time-consuming and costly.

We believe that the “Westinghouse” name has significant value and recognition in the North American market, and that our “Andalay” brand has gained substantial recognition by customers in certain geographic areas. We have registered the “Andalay” trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Use of our trademarks or similar trademarks by competitors in geographic areas in which we have not yet operated could adversely affect our ability to use or gain protection for our brand in those markets, which could weaken our brand and harm our business and competitive position. In addition, any litigation relating to protecting our trademarks and patents against infringement could be time consuming and costly.

We may have warranty obligations to Real Goods Solar, Inc. that could adversely affect our results of operations.

In connection with our exit from the solar system installation business in California, Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Real Goods) agreed to undertake primary, “first responder” responsibility for future warranty service obligations relating to the approximately 800 installations for SunRun that we have previously completed (the “WS Installations”). We retain secondary warranty responsibility on the WS Installations, in the event that Real Goods fails to perform the warranty. We will reimburse Real Goods for actual warranty service work completed by Real Goods related to these “first responder” installations. Other than solar panels and inverters that are covered under the manufacturer warranty, we provided our customers for WS Installations a 5-year or a 10-year warranty. We have accrued, and included within “Liabilities of Discontinued Operations” in our consolidated balance sheets for March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, a liability of approximately $1.1 million, to cover these warranty obligations. That amount is intended to cover both the WS Installations and certain installation projects assigned to Real Goods. The terms of the Warranty Agreements provided that we establish an escrow account as a source of funds from which to satisfy our obligation to pay Real Goods for its fees and reimburse it for its expenses for warranty work performed by it pursuant to the Warranty Agreements which are not paid to Real Goods from the company directly. In March 2011, we entered into an Escrow Agreement with Real Goods and deposited $200,000 into an escrow fund. The amount is reflected in long-term assets of discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheets. The escrow deposit will be released to us in the amount of $40,000, or one-fifth of the remaining escrow funds, per year after each of the fifth through the ninth anniversary of the escrow agreement. If Real Goods fails to perform under the assigned warranty coverage, or the actual warranty expenses exceed the amounts we have accrued, we could incur significant unexpected additional expenses, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Impairment charges could reduce our results of operations.

In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (ASC 350), we test intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for impairment on an annual basis, and on an interim basis if an event occurs that might reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. We also assess the fair value of our inventory and other tangible assets as of the end of each reporting period. As a result of our exit from the installation business, we impaired approximately $2.0 million for inventory, equipment and other assets no longer needed in our business. We may determine that further asset impairment charges are needed in the future. Although any such impairment charge would be a non-cash expense, further impairment of our tangible or intangible assets could materially increase our expenses and reduce our results of operations.
 
Our success depends on our key personnel, including our executive officers, and the loss of key personnel or the transition of key personnel, including our Chief Executive Officer, could disrupt our business.

Our success greatly depends on the continued contributions of our senior management and other key sales, marketing and operations personnel. These employees may voluntarily terminate their employment at any time. We may not be able to successfully retain existing personnel or identify, hire and integrate new personnel; and we do not have key person insurance policies in place for these employees. On May 7, 2012, Margaret Randazzo, our Chief Financial Officer, was named our interim Chief Executive Officer, and while we intend to make this transition as smooth as possible, this leadership change may result in disruptions to our business or operations. Our founder and former CEO, Barry Cinnamon, recently left the Company, and his departure may negatively affect our future business and relationships with our suppliers, customers, investors and others.
 
If we are unable to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel, the quality of our services may decline and we may not successfully execute our internal growth strategies

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to continue to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled and experienced employees, including technical personnel. Qualified technical employees periodically are in great demand and may be unavailable in the time frame required to satisfy our customers’ requirements. While we currently have available technical expertise sufficient for the requirements of our business, expansion of our business could require us to employ additional highly skilled technical personnel. We expect competition for such personnel to increase as the market for solar power systems expands.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled technical employees in the future. The loss of personnel or our inability to hire or retain sufficient personnel at competitive rates of compensation could impair our ability to secure and complete customer engagements and could harm our business

Unexpected warranty expenses or service claims could reduce our profits.

We maintain a warranty reserve on our balance sheet for potential warranty or service claims that could occur in the future. This reserve is adjusted based on our ongoing operating experience with equipment and installations. It is possible, perhaps due to bad supplier material or defective installations, that we would have actual expenses substantially in excess of the reserves we maintain. Our failure to accurately predict future warranty claims could result in unexpected profit volatility
 
 
Risks Relating to Our Industry

We have experienced technological changes in our industry. New technologies may prove inappropriate and result in liability to us or may not gain market acceptance by our customers.

The solar power industry (and the alternative energy industry, in general) is subject to technological change. Our future success will depend on our ability to appropriately respond to changing technologies and changes in function of products and quality. If we adopt products and technologies that are not attractive to consumers, we may not be successful in capturing or retaining a significant share of our market. In addition, some new technologies are relatively untested and unperfected and may not perform as expected or as desired, in which event our adoption of such products or technologies may cause us to lose money.

A drop in the retail price of conventional energy or non-solar alternative energy sources may negatively impact our profitability.

We believe that an end customer’s decision to purchase or install solar power capabilities is primarily driven by the cost and return on investment resulting from solar power systems. Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that affect the prices of conventional and non-solar alternative energy sources, such as decreases in the prices of oil and other fossil fuels, could cause the demand for solar power systems to decline, which would have a negative impact on our profitability. Changes in utility electric rates or net metering policies could also have a negative effect on our business

Existing regulations, and changes to such regulations, may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power products, which may significantly reduce demand for our products and services.

New government regulations or utility policies pertaining to solar power systems are unpredictable and may result in significant additional expenses or delays and, as a result, could cause a significant reduction in demand for solar energy systems and our services. For example, there currently exist metering caps in certain jurisdictions which effectively limit the aggregate amount of power that may be sold by solar power generators into the power grid.

Our business depends on the availability of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives; reduction, elimination or uncertainty of which would reduce the demand for our products and services.

Many states offer incentives to offset the cost of solar power systems. These systems can take many forms, including direct rebates, state tax credits, system performance payments and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Moreover, the federal government currently offers a 30% tax credit for the installation of solar power systems. Businesses may also elect to accelerate the depreciation on their system over five years. Uncertainty about the introduction of, reduction in or elimination of such incentives or delays or interruptions in the implementation of favorable federal or state laws could substantially increase the cost of our systems to our customers, resulting in significant reductions in demand for our services, which would negatively impact our sales.

If solar power technology is not suitable for widespread adoption or sufficient demand for solar power products does not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate, our sales would decline and we would be unable to achieve or sustain profitability.

The market for solar power products is emerging and rapidly evolving, and its future success is uncertain. Many factors will influence the widespread adoption of solar power technology and demand for solar power products, including:

·  
cost effectiveness of solar power technologies as compared with conventional and non-solar alternative energy technologies;
·  
performance and reliability of solar power products as compared with conventional and non-solar alternative energy products;
·  
capital expenditures by customers that tend to decrease if the U.S. economy slows; and
·  
availability of government subsidies and incentives.

If solar power technology proves unsuitable for widespread commercial deployment or if demand for solar power products fails to develop sufficiently, we would be unable to generate enough revenue to achieve and sustain profitability. In addition, demand for solar power products in the markets and geographic regions we target may not develop or may develop more slowly than we anticipate.
 
Risks Relating to our Common Stock

If our shareholder’s equity again falls below $2.5 million or if the trading price of our common stock remains below $1 per share or we fail to satisfy any other listing criteria, our common stock could be delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market.

We must meet NASDAQ’s continuing listing requirements in order for our common stock to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The listing criteria we must meet include, but are not limited to, a minimum bid price for our common stock of $1.00 per share and a minimum shareholders’ equity of $2.5 million.

On July 13, 2011, we received a written notification from the Listing Qualifications Department of The NASDAQ Stock Market stating that our common stock was subject to delisting from The NASDAQ Stock Market because our stockholders’ equity was less than $2.5 million as required by the listing rules. As a result of a hearing before The NASDAQ Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), our common stock remains listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, subject to certain conditions, including imposition of a Panel Monitor and requirements that we provide updated forecast information and stockholders’ equity projections. Most recently, we submitted updated information in early January, and subsequently received a further letter that we had met the immediate requirements of the Panel’s decision, but are subject to ongoing imposition of a Panel Monitor until January 9, 2013, with an obligation to notify the Panel if our stockholders’ equity falls below $2.5 million or we fail to secure needed additional financing, or we fail to satisfy any other listing requirement.

In order to comply with the terms of the Panel decision, we must be able to demonstrate compliance with all requirements for continued listing on The NASDAQ Stock Market. In the event we are unable to do so, our securities may be delisted from The NASDAQ Stock Market.

On October 4, 2011, we received a written notification from the Listing Qualifications Department of The NASDAQ Stock Market stating that the minimum bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, and that we were therefore not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market set forth in Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The notice indicated that we had been granted 180 calendar days, or until April 2, 2012, to regain compliance. We received an additional written notification (the “Staff Determination”) from Listing Qualifications Department of The NASDAQ Stock Market on April 4, 2012, which stated that because we had not regained compliance with the minimum bid requirement, our common stock is subject to delisting from The NASDAQ Capital Market. The notice received on April 4, 2012 further indicated that we are not eligible for an automatic additional 180 calendar day grace period to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement pursuant to Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) because we do not currently satisfy all applicable requirements for initial listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
 

We have requested a hearing before the Panel to review the Staff Determination, which will stay any action with respect to the Staff Determination and allow the continued listing of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market until the Panel renders a decision following the hearing. The hearing is scheduled for May 24, 2012. At the hearing, we intend to present a plan to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and to request that the Panel allow us additional time to regain compliance. There can be no assurance that the Panel will grant our request for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market and our common stock may be delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market.

A delisting from the NASDAQ Capital Market would make the trading market for our common stock less liquid, and would also make us ineligible to use Form S-3 to register the sale of shares of our common stock or to register the resale of our securities held by certain of our security holders with the SEC, thereby making it more difficult and expensive for us to register our common stock or other securities and raise additional capital.

Our stockholders may be diluted by the conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock and the exercise of warrants; in the event we have a “change of control” or if we fail to comply with the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, we may be in default and face demands for redemption and significant penalties.

On February 17, 2011, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with accredited investors, pursuant to which we sold to such investors our Series B 4% Convertible Preferred (“Series B Preferred”), which was initially convertible into an aggregate of 2,000,000 of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.80 per share, and our Series K Warrants that are exercisable for an aggregate of 1,700,002 shares of our common stock, initially at an exercise price of $2.40 per share. The conversion price of the Series B Preferred is subject to adjustment downward in the event that we sell common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock) at an effective price below the conversion price of the Series B Preferred. If the price adjustment provisions are triggered, then the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred may be subject to increase. When the investors convert or exercise these securities, our stockholders may experience dilution in the net tangible book value of their common stock. In addition, the sale or availability for sale of the underlying shares in the marketplace could depress our stock price. We have registered for resale all of the underlying shares of common stock relating to the Series B Preferred and our outstanding warrants. As a result, the investors could resell the underlying shares immediately upon issuance, which may result in significant downward pressure on the market price of our stock.

In addition, the terms of our Series B Preferred include various agreements and negative covenants on our part. In the event we fail to comply with those provisions, or if a “change of control” of the Company occurs, it could constitute a “triggering event” (as defined in the Certificate of Designation which designates the rights of the Series B Preferred), and the holders of our Series B Preferred could then demand that all of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred be redeemed for cash (in certain circumstances within our control), or under certain circumstances, for shares of our common stock. Any such demand for redemption in cash could have a material adverse affect on our financial position and liquidity, and any demand for redemption in stock could have a material dilutive effect for our stockholders. In addition, in such event the dividend rate on our outstanding Series B Preferred is subject to increase to 18% per annum thereafter.

Future sales of common stock by our existing stockholders may cause our stock price to fall.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales by our existing stockholders of shares of common stock in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate. As of May 10, 2012, we had 19,101,593 shares of common stock outstanding (which includes 638,515 unvested shares of restricted stock granted to our Board of Directors and our employees), 2,273 shares of Series B Preferred Stock that are convertible into 3,409,029 shares of common stock and we had warrants to purchase 3,633,794 shares of common stock and options to purchase 969,411 shares of common stock outstanding.

All of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of our outstanding vested options will be freely tradable without restriction under the federal securities laws unless purchased by our affiliates. The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of our outstanding warrants are generally covered (or will be covered) by effective registration statements which permit the underlying shares issuable upon their exercise to be freely tradable in the public market.

Our stock price may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors.

The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

·  
technological innovations or new products and services by us or our competitors;
·  
announcements or press releases relating to the energy sector or to our business or prospects;
·  
additions or departures of key personnel;
·  
regulatory, legislative or other developments affecting us or the solar power industry generally;
·  
our ability to execute our business plan;
·  
operating results that fall below expectations;
·  
volume and timing of customer orders;
·  
industry developments;
·  
economic and other external factors; and
·  
period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results.
·  
future developments relating to our announcement of a business combination with CBD.

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also significantly affect the market price of our common stock.
 
 
Risks Relating to Our Company

If the Merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement with CBD does not occur or is delayed, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

On May 7, 2012, we entered into a Merger Agreement with CBD. We cannot predict whether and when the closing conditions for the Merger as set forth in the Merger Agreement will be satisfied, and the contemplated Merger transaction may be delayed or even abandoned before completion if certain events occur. The Merger Agreement may be terminated by us, on the one hand, or CBD, on the other hand, under certain circumstances, and termination of the Merger Agreement may in certain circumstances require us to pay a termination fee to CBD equal to the greater of (i) $500,000 and (ii) the amount of expenses that CBD has incurred in connection with the Merger, including legal and financial advisor fees.  In addition, the failure by our stockholders to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement at our future meeting of stockholders may require us to pay CBD the same termination fee. If the closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement are not satisfied or waived, or if the transactions are not completed for any other reason, (i) the market price of our common stock could significantly decline; (ii) we will remain liable for the significant expenses that we have incurred related to the transaction, including legal and financial advisor fees, and may be required to pay the foregoing termination fees; (iii) we may experience substantial disruption in our sales, operating activities, customers, suppliers, and other third-party relationships, any of which could materially and adversely affect us and our business, operating results, and financial condition; and (iv) we may have difficulty attracting and retaining key personnel.

Until the closing of the Merger, the focus of our management team and employees may be diverted, and that there may be a negative reaction to the Merger on the part of our customers, employees, suppliers, or other third-party relationships. The Merger Agreement also contains certain limitations regarding our business operations prior to completion of the Merger.
 
Upon closing of the proposed Merger with CBD, we may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of the Merger, which may adversely affect the value of the common stock of the combined company.
 
The success of the Merger will depend, in part, on the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining our historical business with that of CBD. However, to realize these anticipated benefits and cost savings, both companies must successfully combine those businesses. If we are not able to achieve these objectives within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Merger may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of the merger consideration to be received by our stockholders may be adversely affected.
 
Specifically, risks in integrating our operations into CBD’s operations in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger include, among other things:
 
·  
the loss of key employees critical to the ongoing operation of the business;
·  
failure to effectively coordinate sales and marketing efforts to communicate the capabilities of the combined company;
·  
failure to combine product and service offerings quickly and effectively;
·  
failure to successfully develop new products and services on a timely basis that address the market opportunities of the combined company;
·  
unexpected revenue attrition;
·  
failure to successfully integrate and harmonize financial reporting and information technology systems of CBD and us; and
·  
failure to develop and maintain an effective internal control environment as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CBD is an Australian  public corporation not subject, at the moment, to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

Our founder and former Chief Executive Officer and director, Barry Cinnamon, beneficially owns a significant number of shares of our common stock, which gives him significant influence over decisions on which our stockholders may vote and which may discourage an acquisition of the Company.

Barry Cinnamon, our founder and former Chief Executive Officer and director, beneficially owns, in the aggregate, approximately 10.0% of our outstanding common stock as of May 11, 2012. The interests of Mr. Cinnamon may differ from the interests of other stockholders. As a result, Mr. Cinnamon’s voting power may have a significant influence on the outcome of virtually all corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, irrespective of how our other stockholders may vote, including the following actions:

·  
election of our directors;
·  
the amendment of our Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws; and
·  
the proposed merger of our company with CBD or the sale of our assets or other corporate transaction.

Mr. Cinnamon has not entered into any voting agreement with regard to the pending Merger transaction, and is not obligated to vote in favor of the proposed Merger. 

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the federal securities laws, which impose additional burdens on us.

We are a public reporting company and, accordingly, subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As a public company, these rules and regulations result in increased compliance costs and make certain activities more time consuming and costly.

Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of new series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of new series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.



Item 5. Other Information.

On May 7, 2012, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with CBD Energy Limited, an Australian corporation (“CBD”), and CBD-WS Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of CBD (“Merger Sub”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company to be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBD (the “Merger”).

Under the Merger Agreement, our stockholders would receive shares of CBD in exchange for their shares. Our common stockholders will receive approximately 3.7 CBD common shares for each share held and our preferred stockholders will receive CBD preferred shares which will be convertible into CBD common shares. On an as-converted basis, the holders of our common stock and holders of our Series B preferred stock would collectively hold approximately 15% of the outstanding CBD common shares, calculated as if the Merger was consummated on the signing date. The Merger will not qualify as a “tax free reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. CBD plans to apply for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, with listing to be effective on or before consummation of the Merger. Completion of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including (i) the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the required vote of the holders of our outstanding common stock, (ii) the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has declared effective a Registration Statement registering the CBD common shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (iii) the approval and adoption by the holders of outstanding CBD common shares of the Merger Agreement and the issuance of additional CBD common shares as consideration in the Merger, and (iv) the approval by the Australian Securities Exchange (the “ASX”) and the holders of outstanding CBD common shares of the delisting of the CBD common shares from the ASX. In conjunction with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the holders of a majority of our outstanding Company Series B preferred stock entered into a Waiver and Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit D to the Merger Agreement (and included in Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 9, 2012).



Exhibit 
Number
 
Description
     
  3.1  
Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 7, 2006).
       
  3.2  
By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 7, 2006).
       
  3.3  
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 11, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 14, 2006).
       
  3.4  
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 7, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on July 30, 2010).
       
  3.5  
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 6, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Form 10-Q, filed on May 10, 2011).
       
  3.6  
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B 4% Convertible Preferred Stock, filed August 23, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2011).
       
  10.1  
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement by and among Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and CBD Energy Limited (CBD), dated as of December 30, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 4, 2012).
       
  10.2  
Letter of intent by and among Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and CBD Energy Limited, dated as of February 16, 2012. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B to CBD’s Schedule 13 D/A, filed on February 17, 2012).
       
  10.3  
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 7, 2012, by and among Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and CBD Energy Limited and CBD-WS Merger Sub, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 9, 2012).
       
  31 *
Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer
       
  32 *
Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer
       
101.INS *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Instance Document †
       
101.SCH *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Linkbase Document †
       
101.CAL *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document †
       
101.DEF *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document †
       
101.LAB *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document †
       
101.PRE *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document †
       
  *  
filed herewith
     
 
   
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files in Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
   
Dated:  May 14, 2012
/s/ Margaret R. Randazzo
 
Margaret R. Randazzo
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and
 
Principal Accounting Officer)
 



 


Exhibit 
Number
 
Description
     
  3.1  
Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 7, 2006).
       
  3.2  
By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 7, 2006).
       
  3.3  
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 11, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 14, 2006).
       
  3.4  
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 7, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on July 30, 2010).
       
  3.5  
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 6, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Form 10-Q, filed on May 10, 2011).
       
  3.6  
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B 4% Convertible Preferred Stock, filed August 23, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2011).
       
  10.1  
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement by and among Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and CBD Energy Limited (CBD), dated as of December 30, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 4, 2012).
       
  10.2  
Letter of intent by and among Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and CBD Energy Limited, dated as of February 16, 2012. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B to CBD’s Schedule 13 D/A, filed on February 17, 2012).
       
  10.3  
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 7, 2012, by and among Westinghouse Solar, Inc. and CBD Energy Limited and CBD-WS Merger Sub, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 9, 2012).
       
  31 *
Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer
       
  32 *
Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer
       
101.INS *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Instance Document †
       
101.SCH *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Linkbase Document †
       
101.CAL *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document †
       
101.DEF *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document †
       
101.LAB *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document †
       
101.PRE *
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document †
       
  *  
filed herewith
     
 
   
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files in Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 
39