Direct Energy Solar Unveils New Headquarters In Columbia, MD

Columbia, MD (August 5, 2015) — Direct Energy Solar™ unveiled its new corporate headquarters today in Columbia, Maryland. The new facility is almost triple the size of its previous location and can accommodate more than 200 employees. Because of significant growth, Direct Energy Solar needed to expand its headquarters. The company found an ideal location just six miles away from its former location in Annapolis Junction.

"We have plans to create 800 new jobs across North America for our solar operations this year. As we expand and open in new markets, we need one central site where our team can work together to support this growth. We are pleased we were able to remain in Howard County, which has been home to our solar business since 2008," said Scott Boose, President of Direct Energy Services.

"I am excited that Direct Energy Solar has chosen to stay right here in Howard County," County Executive Allan Kittleman said. "Direct Energy Solar is innovative, agile, and a leader in technologies of the future and Howard County is proud to be able to support their growth. With 145 employees here in Columbia and 800 new hires expected nationally in 2015, they are an example of the kind of economic investment that will grow our regional economy," added Kittleman.

The new facility is more than 42,000 square feet and includes a 10,000 square foot operations warehouse. It will have solar panels on the roof and electric car charging stations. Teams of project managers, engineers, designers, sales and service agents all work in a bright, open and collaborative environment. There is a wellness room, mother's room and state of the art video conferencing systems.

"Having been a part of this business for the past five years, it is really exciting to see the growth and evolution of our company as we continue to expand and pursue our plans for the future," said Direct Energy Solar Chief Information Officer Stephen Simons.

Direct Energy acquired Annapolis Junction based Astrum Solar in 2014 and renamed the company Direct Energy Solar. It is one of the largest residential solar installers in the U.S.¹ Direct Energy Solar is a full-service, residential and commercial solar installer and operates in six Mid-Atlantic states, throughout New England, Washington, D.C. and California.

To mark the opening of the new headquarters, on Wednesday, August 5th at 11:00am EST, employees of Direct Energy Solar will be joined by local lawmakers to flip the lever on a large solar display in front of the new offices. Direct Energy's Innovation to Inspiration tour will also be there. It is a mobile exhibit, with a sleek, interactive display of exciting new innovations in home, solar and business energy management.

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Direct Energy is a leading energy and energy-related services provider with nearly five million residential and commercial customers in North America. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.