UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.      )

 

 

Filed by the Registrant þ

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant £

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

þ Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨ Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2) )
¨ Definitive Proxy Statement
¨ Definitive Additional Materials
¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

 

Real Goods Solar, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

þ  No fee required.
¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
     
  (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: 
     
  (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:  
     
  (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): 
     
  (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: 
     
  (5) Total fee paid: 
     
   
£

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

£ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. 
     
  (1) Amount Previously Paid: 
     
  (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: 
     
  (3) Filing Party: 
     
  (4) Date Filed: 
     

 

 

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY COPY SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED DECEMBER 19, 2016

 

 

Real Goods Solar, Inc.

833 West South Boulder Road

Louisville, Colorado 80027

 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

 

To our shareholders:

 

We will hold a special meeting of shareholders of Real Goods Solar, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, or “RGS Energy”), a Colorado corporation, on January 23, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at our offices at 833 West South Boulder Road, Louisville, CO 80027 for the following purposes:

 

1. to approve a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a specific ratio within a range from one-for-five to one-for-thirty-five and to grant authorization to our board of directors to determine, in its sole discretion, the specific ratio and the timing of the reverse stock split at any time before January 23, 2018;

 

2. to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary to solicit additional proxies, in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve Proposal 1;

 

3. to transact such other business as may properly come before our special meeting, or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

 

Our board of directors has fixed the close of business on December 23, 2016 as the record date for determining our shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this special meeting. A complete list of our shareholders entitled to vote at this special meeting will be available for inspection by our shareholders upon written request before this special meeting showing a proper purpose during normal business hours at our Louisville, Colorado office and subject to satisfaction of other requirements set forth in our bylaws. Only shareholders of record on December 23, 2016 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

On or about __________, 20__, we expect to commence mailing our shareholders (other than those who previously requested electronic delivery of our proxy materials) this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card for the special meeting. If you received your special meeting materials via email, the email contained voting instructions and links to the proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card on the Internet, which are both available at www.edocumentview.com/RGSE.

 

Our shareholders are cordially invited to attend this special meeting in person.

 

   
  By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
December ___, 2016  
  Dennis Lacey, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

We urge you to vote your shares as promptly as possible.

 

If you have shares registered in your own name, you may vote your shares in a number of ways:

 

electronically via the Internet at www.envisionreports.com/RGSE,

 

by telephone, if you are in the U.S. and Canada, by calling 1-800-368-5948, or

 

by mailing us an executed proxy card.

 

If you hold our shares with a broker, you may also be eligible to vote via the Internet or by telephone if your broker participates in the proxy voting program provided by Computershare Investor Services (“Computershare”).

 

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY COPY SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED DECEMBER 19, 2016

 

 

Real Goods Solar, Inc.

833 West South Boulder Road

Louisville, Colorado 80027

 

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

 

We are furnishing this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card to our shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of our board of directors for use at the special meeting of shareholders to be held on Monday, January 23, 2017, starting at 10:00 a.m. local time, at 833 West South Boulder Road, Louisville, CO 80027 and at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. On or about __________, 20__, we expect to commence mailing or giving our shareholders (other than those who previously requested electronic delivery of our proxy materials) this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card for the special meeting. The address of our principal executive offices is 833 West South Boulder Road, Louisville, Colorado 80027.

 

PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING

 

At the special meeting, our shareholders will be asked: (i) to approve a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a specific ratio within a range from one-for-five to one-for-thirty-five and to grant authorization to our board of directors to determine, in its sole discretion, the specific ratio and the timing of the reverse stock split at any time before January 23, 2018; (ii) to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary to solicit additional proxies, in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve Proposal 1; and (iii) to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the special meeting. Our board of directors recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the reverse stock split and “FOR” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, as further described herein.

 

QUORUM AND VOTING RIGHTS

 

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding votes eligible to be cast by our Class A common stock and Class B common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the special meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date, December 23, 2016 (the “Record Date”), will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. As of the Record Date, there were ________ shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.0001, and no shares of our Class B common stock, par value $0.0001, outstanding and entitled to vote. Holders of our Class A common stock as of the Record Date are entitled to one vote for each share held. The holders of our common stock will vote together as a single class. Cumulative voting is not permitted for any purpose. Once a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on Proposal 1 shall be the act of the shareholders on such Proposal. Approval of Proposal 2 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented by the holders of our Class A common stock at the special meeting, whether or not a quorum exists.

 

All shares of our Class A common stock represented by properly executed proxies will, unless the proxies have previously been revoked, be voted in accordance with properly executed instructions indicated in the proxies. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote although they will count towards the presence of a quorum for this special meeting. Any shareholder executing a proxy has the power to revoke the proxy at any time before its exercise. A proxy may be revoked before exercise by (a) filing with us a written revocation of the proxy, (b) appearing at the special meeting and voting in person, (c) voting by telephone or by using the Internet, either of which must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 22, 2017 (only your latest telephone or Internet proxy is counted), or (d) submitting to us a duly executed proxy bearing a later date.

 

 

 

 

If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by a brokerage firm, you will provide voting instructions to the broker. In the event that you do not instruct the broker how to vote your shares, such broker may in its discretion chose to vote such uninstructed shares on “routine” matters only. We believe that Proposal 1 to approve the reverse stock split and Proposal 2 to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, are “routine” matters under applicable rules, and as such, if you do not instruct your broker how to vote your shares, your broker may in its discretion, vote the uninstructed shares either “FOR” or “AGAINST” Proposal 1 and Proposal 2.

 

On or about __________, 20__, we expect to commence mailing our shareholders (other than those who previously requested electronic delivery of our proxy materials) our proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card for the special meeting. If you received your special meeting materials via email, the email contained voting instructions and links to the proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card on the Internet, which are both available at www.edocumentview.com/RGSE.

 

This proxy statement, the proxy card and voting instructions are also being made available to shareholders at www.edocumentview.com/RGSE, and for record holders at www.envisionreports.com/RGSE. You may also request a printed copy of this proxy statement and the proxy card by: (a) telephone at 1-800-368-5948; or (b) Internet at www.edocumentview.com/RGSE.

 

We will bear the cost of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing this proxy statement and other material furnished to shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies. In addition, our officers, directors and employees may solicit proxies by written communication or telephone. These persons will receive no special compensation for any solicitation activities. We have retained the services of MacKenzie Partners, Inc., a professional solicitation firm, as proxy solicitor for this special meeting. We expect to pay MacKenzie Partners, Inc. approximately $7,500 for the services it will perform as proxy solicitor in connection with this special meeting. Further, we will reimburse MacKenzie Partners, Inc. for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. We have also agreed to indemnify MacKenzie Partners, Inc. against certain liabilities relating to or arising out of the engagement.

 

UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER GRANTING THE PROXY SPECIFIES A DIFFERENT VOTE, IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE AGENTS DESIGNATED IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD TO VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AS DESCRIBED IN PROPOSAL 1 and “for” the adjournment of the Special Meeting if necessary to permit further solicitation of Proxies AS DESCRIBED IN PROPOSAL 2.

 

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PROPOSAL 1

APPROVAL OF A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

(Item No. 1 on Proxy Card)

 

Our board of directors has adopted resolutions approving, declaring advisable and recommending that our shareholders approve a reverse stock split of all of our outstanding shares of our Class A common stock at a specific ratio within a range from one-for-five to one-for-thirty-five (the “Reverse Stock Split”). If approved by our shareholders, Proposal 1 would permit (but not require) our board of directors to affect the Reverse Stock Split at any time before January 23, 2018 by a ratio of not less than one-for-five and not more than one-for-thirty-five with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion.

 

We believe that enabling our board of directors to set the ratio within the stated range will provide us with the flexibility to implement the Reverse Stock Split in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits for our shareholders. In determining a ratio, if any, following the receipt of shareholder approval, our board of directors will consider, among other things, factors such as:

 

the minimum price per share requirements of The NASDAQ Capital Market;
the historical trading price and trading volume of our Class A common stock;
the number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding;
the then-prevailing trading price and trading volume of our Class A common stock and the anticipated impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our Class A common stock;
business developments affecting us; and
prevailing general market and economic conditions.

 

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

 

Beginning on November 4, 2016 and thereafter, the closing bid price for our Class A common stock has been below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on NASDAQ in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). If the closing bid price for our Class A common stock continues to be below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, we will no longer be in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). If that were to occur, we expect to receive a notification from NASDAQ about non-compliance, giving us 180 calendar days to regain compliance. We may be eligible for an additional 180-day compliance period thereafter. If we are not able to cure the deficiency during any applicable compliance periods, the NASDAQ staff will provide notice that our Class A common stock will be subject to delisting from The NASDAQ Capital Market.

 

Regain Compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) . To regain compliance, the bid price of our Class A common stock must close at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days any time before the expiration of the grace periods described above. Our board of directors has concluded that, absent a significant market-driven increase in our stock price, the best way for us to increase the closing bid price of our Class A common stock to the level satisfactory for meeting the continued listing requirements of NASDAQ is to affect the Reverse Stock Split. We believe that retaining listing of our Class A common stock on NASDAQ improves the marketability and liquidity of our Class A common stock by making it available to a broader range of potential investors. If our Class A common stock was delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market, we believe this would reduce the volume of shares traded and increase the volatility of our stock price. We believe that the Reverse Stock Split will be sufficient to satisfy the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on NASDAQ. However, following the Reverse Stock Split, there can be no assurance that the market price of our Class A common stock will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of outstanding shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split or that the market price of the post-split Class A common stock can be maintained at the minimum per share bid price required by NASDAQ.

 

Increased Share Price . A reverse stock split may increase the trading price of shares of our Class A common stock, potentially making them more attractive to investors. In particular, many institutional investors are only able to own shares of common stock that meet minimum share price thresholds.

 

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Reduced Shareholder Transaction Costs . Because investors typically pay commissions based on the number of shares traded when they buy or sell shares of our Class A common stock, investors may pay lower commissions for trading a given dollar amount of our Class A common stock if the Reverse Stock Split occurs.

 

Effects of the Reverse Stock Split

 

After the effective date of the proposed Reverse Stock Split, each shareholder will own a reduced number of shares of our Class A common stock. As of the Record Date, ________ shares of our Class A common stock were issued and outstanding. The table below illustrates and exemplifies, as of the Record Date, the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock that would result from the Reverse Stock Split at the listed ratios (including whole shares that are issued in lieu of fractional shares):

 

Reverse Stock
Split Ratio
 

Approximate Number
of

Outstanding Shares

of Class A Common
Stock

Following the Reverse
Stock Split)

 

Percent Reduction in

Number of Outstanding

Shares of Class A
Common Stock

Following the Reverse
Stock Split

 
one-for-five   ___ million     80.0 %
one-for-ten   ___ million     90.0 %
one-for-twenty   ___ million     95.0 %
one-for-twenty-five   ___ million     96.0 %
one-for-thirty   ___ million     96.7 %
one-for-thirty-five   ___ million     97.1 %

 

When implemented, the number of shares of our Class A common stock owned by each of our shareholders will be reduced by the same proportion as the reduction in the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all holders of our Class A common stock uniformly and will not affect any shareholder’s percentage ownership or voting interest in our company (except for shareholders receiving one whole share for a fractional share interest). None of the rights currently accruing to holders of our Class A common stock will be effected by the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Shareholders should also recognize that once the Reverse Stock Split is effected, they will own a fewer number of shares than they currently own (a number equal to the quotient of the number of shares owned immediately before the Reverse Stock Split divided by, for example, 20, assuming a ratio of one-for-twenty). While we expect that the Reverse Stock Split will result in an increase in the per share price of our Class A common stock, the Reverse Stock Split may not increase the per share price of our Class A common stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding. It also may not result in a permanent increase in the per share price, which depends on many factors, including our performance, prospects and other factors that may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding. The history of similar reverse stock splits for companies in similar circumstances is varied. We cannot predict the effect of the Reverse Stock Split upon the market price over an extended period and, in some cases, the market value of a company’s common stock following a reverse stock split declines.

 

Once the Reverse Stock Split is effected, and should the per-share price of our Class A common stock decline, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the Reverse Stock Split. Furthermore, the liquidity of our Class A common stock could be adversely effected by the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split.

 

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The Reverse Stock Split will also not affect the ability of our board of directors to designate preferred stock, and the par value and authorized number of shares of preferred stock will not be adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Neither the authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock nor the par value for our Class A common stock will adjust as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. If effected, the Reverse Stock Split will reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and, therefore, make available more shares of our Class A common stock for future issuances in connection with our outstanding options and warrants, our Senior Secured Convertible Notes due April 1, 2019 (the “Notes”), our 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan, future capital raises, and other business purposes. As of the Record Date, following, for example, a one-for-twenty reverse stock split, we would have approximately _____ million shares outstanding, approximately _________ shares issuable pursuant to the terms of the Notes (assuming conversion of the Notes at the conversion price floor of $0.25), approximately _____ shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, approximately _____ shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants, based on the current terms of such securities, and approximately _____ million shares of Class A common stock available for issuance.

 

Our board of directors will have the authority, subject to applicable securities laws and, to the extent applicable, securities exchange listing requirements, to issue all authorized and unissued shares without further shareholder approval, upon such terms and conditions as our board of directors deems appropriate. Other than with respect to outstanding options and warrants, the Notes and under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated March 30, 2016, with Solar Solutions and Distribution, LLC, we do not presently have any definitive agreement(s) to issue any shares of Class A common stock.

 

Further, an effect of the existence of authorized but unissued capital stock may be to enable our board of directors to render more difficult, or to discourage an attempt, to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of our management. If, in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, for example, our board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interests, such shares could be issued by our board of directors without shareholder approval in one or more private placements or other transactions that might prevent, or render more difficult or costly, completion of the takeover transaction by diluting the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent shareholder or shareholder group, by creating a substantial voting block in institutional or other hands that might undertake to support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise. We do not have any current plans, proposals, or arrangements to propose any amendments to our articles of incorporation or bylaws that would have a material anti-takeover effect. Further, we have not proposed the Reverse Stock Split in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate our Class A common stock or obtain control of our company, nor is it a plan by management to recommend a series of similar actions to our board of directors or our shareholders. The board of directors does not intend for any of these transactions to be the first step in a series of plans or proposals of a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

 

Moreover, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, some shareholders may own less than 100 shares of our Class A common stock. A purchase or sale of less than 100 shares, known as an “odd lot” transaction, may result in incrementally higher trading costs through certain brokers, particularly “full service” brokers. Therefore, those shareholders who own less than 100 shares following the Reverse Stock Split may be required to pay higher transaction costs if they sell their shares of Class A common stock.

 

No fractional shares of post-Reverse Stock Split Class A common stock will be issued to any shareholder. In lieu of any such fractional share interest, each holder of pre-Reverse Stock Split Class A common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of post-Reverse Stock Split Class A common stock will receive one whole share of Class A common stock for each fractional share.

 

Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Outstanding Options and Warrants and the Notes

 

If the Reverse Stock Split is effected, any outstanding options and warrants entitling their holders to purchase shares of our Class A common stock will be proportionately reduced by our board of directors in the same ratio as the reduction in the number of shares of outstanding Class A common stock. The terms of the respective options and warrants will determine how any fractional shares resulting from such reduction will be handled, except, to extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, any fractional shares resulting from such reduction will be rounded down to the nearest whole share. Correspondingly, the per share exercise price of such options and warrants will be increased in direct proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the board of directors, so that the aggregate dollar amount payable for the purchase of the shares subject to such securities will remain unchanged.

 

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If the Reverse Stock Split is effected, the fixed conversion price of the Notes will be increased in direct proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the board of directors. The floating conversion price of the Notes is dependent on the market price of the Class A common stock. It is expected that the Reverse Stock Split will cause an immediate increase in the market price of the Class A common stock. As a result, if the Notes are converted using an increased conversion price (whether fixed or floating), a smaller amount of shares of Class A common stock are issuable under the Notes than immediately before the Reverse Stock Split. Further, the minimum trading price equity conditions contained in the Notes will be increased in direct proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the board of directors. The $0.25 conversion price floor in the Notes will not change as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Our 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

With respect to the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan, our board of directors will proportionately reduce the number of authorized shares in accordance with the terms of the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan. As of the Record Date there were _______ shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan, of which ________ remained available for future awards. Following the Reverse Stock Split, if effected, the number of authorized shares under the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan will be reduced in direct proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by our board of directors.

 

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

 

The following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to U.S. holders (as defined below). This discussion is included for general information purposes only and does not purport to address all aspects of U.S. federal income tax law that may be relevant to U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and current Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, and any such change could affect the continuing validity of this discussion.

 

SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.

 

This discussion does not address tax consequences to shareholders that are subject to special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, personal holding companies, U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, partnerships (or other flow-through entities for U.S. federal income purposes and their partners or members), persons who acquired their shares in connection with employment or other performance of services, broker-dealers, foreign entities, nonresident alien individuals, U.S. expatriates and tax-exempt entities. This summary also assumes that the shares of Class A common stock are held as a “capital asset,” as defined in Section 1221 of the Code.

 

As used herein, the term “U.S. holder” means a holder that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

an individual citizen or resident of the United States ;
a corporation or other entity taxed as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof ;
an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source ; or
a trust (A) if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more “U.S. persons” (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

Pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split, each holder of our Class A common stock outstanding immediately before the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split will become the holder of fewer shares of our Class A common stock after consummation of the Reverse Stock Split.

 

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The Reverse Stock Split should be treated as a recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, other than with respect to any shareholder that receives one whole share for each fractional share (as described below), a shareholder generally will not recognize gain or loss by reason of such shareholder’s receipt of post-Reverse Stock Split shares pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split solely in exchange for pre-Reverse Stock Split shares held by such shareholder immediately before the Reverse Stock Split. Subject to the following discussion regarding a shareholder’s receipt of a whole post-Reserve Stock Split share in exchange for a fractional share, a shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in the post-Reverse Stock Split shares received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split will equal the shareholder’s aggregate basis in pre-Reverse Stock Split shares exchanged therefor and will be allocated among the post-Reverse Stock Split shares received in the Reverse Stock Split on a pro-rata basis.

 

A shareholder may recognize gain or loss from the disposition of a fractional pre-Reverse Stock Split share in exchange for a whole post-Reverse Stock Split share, which may affect its adjusted basis in such whole share received. The treatment of the exchange of a fractional share for a whole share in the Reverse Stock Split is not clear. We intend to treat the issuance to a shareholder of a whole share in exchange for a fractional share as a nontaxable event, but there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service would not contend, or that a court would not find, that a shareholder should recognize gain or loss on its receipt of a whole share in exchange for a fractional share. If you are a shareholder who receives a whole post-Reverse Stock Split share pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split solely in exchange for a fractional pre-Reverse Stock Split share, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Shareholders who have used the specific identification method to identify their basis in the pre-Reverse Stock Split shares held immediately before the Reverse Stock Split should consult their own tax advisors to determine their basis in the post-Reverse Stock Split shares received in exchange therefor in the Reverse Stock Split. A shareholder’s holding period in the post-Reverse Stock Split shares received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split will generally include the shareholder’s holding period in the pre-Reverse Stock Split shares surrendered in exchange therefor, provided the pre-Reverse Stock Split shares surrendered are held as capital assets at the time of the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Accounting Matters

 

The Reverse Stock Split will not affect the par value of our Class A common stock per share, which will remain $0.0001 par value per share. As a result, on the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, if effected, the stated capital on our balance sheet will be reduced proportionately based on the Reverse Stock Split ratio, from its present amount, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Reported per-share net income or loss will be higher because there will be fewer shares of Class A common stock outstanding. In future financial statements, net income or loss per share and other per share amounts for periods ending before the Reverse Stock Split would be recast to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Exchange Act Matters

 

Our Class A common stock is currently registered under the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The Reverse Stock Split, if implemented, will not affect the registration of our Class A common stock under the Exchange Act or our reporting or other requirements thereunder. Our Class A common stock is currently quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “RGSE” and we expect that our Class A common stock would continue to be quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market. We would also obtain a new CUSIP number for the Class A common stock at the time of the Reverse Stock Split, which would be reflected on new stock certificates issued by us and in electronic entry systems. We must also provide NASDAQ with at least 15 calendar days advance notice of the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Exchange Act.

 

Effective Date

 

The Reverse Stock Split, if approved by our shareholders, would become effective upon the date determined by our board of directors. On the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto will be combined and converted, automatically and without any action on the part of the shareholders, into new shares of Class A common stock in accordance with the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the board of directors. As soon as practical after the effective date, the shareholders will be notified that the Reverse Stock Split has been effected.

 

If our shareholders approve this Proposal 1, it is our current expectation that our board of directors will set a date for the Reverse Stock Split shortly after the date of this special meeting. However, our board of directors reserves the right, notwithstanding shareholder approval and without further action by the shareholders, to elect not to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split if, at any time our board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our shareholders to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split.

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  Effect on Registered and Beneficial Shareholders

 

Upon the Reverse Stock Split, the Company intends to treat shareholders holding shares of our Class A common stock in “street name” (that is, held through a bank, broker, custodian or other nominee) in the same manner as shareholders of record whose shares of Class A common stock are registered in their names. Banks, brokers, custodians or other nominees will be instructed to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders holding shares of our Class A common stock in “street name;” however, these banks, brokers, custodians or other nominees may apply their own specific procedures for processing the Reverse Stock Split. If you hold your shares of our Class A common stock with a bank, broker, custodian or other nominee, and have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your bank, broker, custodian or other nominee.

 

Effect on “Book-Entry” Shareholders of Record

 

Certain of our shareholders of record may hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with our transfer agent. These shareholders will not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of our Class A common stock. They are, however, provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares of Class A common stock registered in their accounts.

 

If you hold registered pre-Reverse Stock Split shares in a book-entry form, you do not need to take any action to receive your post-Reverse Stock Split shares in registered book-entry form, if applicable. A transaction statement will automatically be sent to your address of record as soon as practicable after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split indicating the number of post-Reverse Stock Split shares you hold.

 

Exchange of Stock Certificates

 

Some shareholders of record hold their shares of our Class A common stock in certificate form or a combination of certificate and book-entry form. If any of your shares of our Class A common stock are held in certificate form, our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. As soon as practicable after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, a letter of transmittal will be sent to our shareholders of record as of the effective time for purposes of surrendering to the transfer agent certificates representing pre-Reverse Stock Split shares in exchange for certificates representing post-Reverse Stock Split shares in accordance with the procedures set forth in the letter of transmittal. No new certificates will be issued to a shareholder until such shareholder has surrendered such shareholder’s outstanding certificate(s), together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent. From and after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, any certificates formerly representing pre-Reverse Stock Split shares which are submitted for transfer, whether pursuant to a sale, other disposition or otherwise, will be exchanged for certificates representing post-Reverse Stock Split shares.

 

SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.

 

No Appraisal Rights

 

No shareholder will have appraisal or dissenter’s rights with respect to the Reverse Stock Split and Proposal 1.

 

Interests of our Officers and Directors in Proposal 1

 

We do not believe that our officers or directors have interests in Proposal 1 that are different from or greater than those of any other of our shareholders.

 

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Vote Required

 

Approval of this Proposal 1 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast “FOR” and “AGAINST” the proposal. For purposes of determining the number of votes cast on the matter, only those cast “FOR” and “AGAINST” are included, while abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. Unless instructions to the contrary are specified in a properly executed and returned proxy, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them “FOR” this Proposal 1.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 1 TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

 

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PROPOSAL 2

ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING IF NECESSARY TO PERMIT FURTHER SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

(Item No. 2 on Proxy Card)

 

Our shareholders are being asked to approve a proposal that will give us authority to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies in favor of Proposal 1, if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve Proposal 1. If this adjournment proposal is approved, our board of directors could adjourn the special meeting to any date it chooses. In addition, our board of directors could postpone the special meeting before it commences, whether for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies or for other reasons. If the special meeting is adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, shareholders who have already submitted their proxies at any time before their use do not need to submit new proxies unless they desire to change their voting instructions. The Company does not intend to call a vote on this proposal if Proposal 1 has been approved at the special meeting.

 

Approval of this Proposal 2 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented by the holders of our Class A common stock at the special meeting, whether or not a quorum exists. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. Unless instructions to the contrary are specified in a properly executed and returned proxy, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them “FOR” this Proposal 2.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 2 TO APPROVE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING IF NECESSARY TO PERMIT FURTHER SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock as of December 15, 2016 (except as noted) for: (i) each person (or group of affiliated persons) who, insofar as we have been able to ascertain, beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock; (ii) each director; (iii) each “named executive officer” as defined under Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group. As of December 15, 2016, there were 35,494,514 shares of our Class A common stock and no shares of our Class B common stock outstanding.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner         Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
(1)
   

Percent
of Class

 
Hudson Bay Master Fund, Ltd.     (2 )     2,957,684       7.69 %
CVI Investments, Inc.     (3 )     2,727,273       7.68 %
Richard Abbe (Iroquois Master Fund Ltd/Iroquois Capital Investment Group LLC)     (4 )     2,727,273       7.68 %
Anson Investments Master Fund LP     (5 )     2,272,727       6.40 %
Intracoastal Capital, LLC     (6 )     2,112,347       5.73 %
Dennis Lacey     (7 )     1,090       *  
Alan Fine     (8 )     105       *  
David L. Belluck     (9 )     84,394       *  
Pavel Bouska     (10 )     305       *  
Ian Bowles     (11 )     339       *  
John Schaeffer     (12 )     178       *  
Robert L. Scott     (13 )     505       *  
All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)     (14 )     87,077       *  

 

 

* Indicates less than 1% ownership.
(1) This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal shareholders directly to RGS Energy or on Schedules 13D and 13G and Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the SEC. All beneficial ownership is direct and the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power over the securities beneficially owned unless otherwise noted. Share amounts and percent of class include stock options exercisable and restricted stock vesting within 60 days after December 15, 2016.
(2) Consists of (i) an estimated 40,000 shares of our Class A common stock issuable under the Notes (subject to a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation; calculated using the “Conversion Price” (as defined in the Notes) floor price of $0.25); and (ii) 2,917,684 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are currently exercisable (subject to a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation). Does not include additional shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants because the holder does not have the right to receive such shares if the holder, together with certain attribution parties, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. Hudson Bay Capital Management, L.P., the investment manager of Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd., has voting and investment power over these securities. Sander Gerber is the managing member of Hudson Bay Capital GP LLC, which is the general partner of Hudson Bay Capital Management, L.P. Each of Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd. and Sander Gerber disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities. The address of Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd. is c/o Hudson Bay Capital Management LP, 777 Third Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
(3) According to a Schedule 13G filed on December 16, 2016 by CVI Investment, Inc. (“CVI”) and Heights Capital Management, Inc. (“Heights”). Does not include additional shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants because the holder does not have the right to receive such shares if the holder, together with certain attribution parties, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. CVI and Heights share voting and dispositive power over the shares. Heights is the investment manager to CVI and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of these shares. Martin Kobinger, in his capacity as Investment Manager of Heights, may also be deemed to have investment discretion and voting power over the shares held by CVI. CVI and Heights disclaim any beneficial ownership of the shares, except for their pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Kobinger disclaims any such beneficial ownership of the shares. The address of CVI is P.O. Box 309GT, Ugland House, South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. The address of Heights is 101 California Street, Suite 3250, San Fransisco, CA 94111.

 

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(4) As of December 15, 2016, Iroquois Master Fund Ltd. ("Iroquois Master Fund") held 1,590,909 shares of our Class A common stock. Iroquois Capital Management, L.L.C. ("Iroquois Capital") is the investment manager of Iroquois Master Fund. Consequently, Iroquois Capital has voting and investment discretion over securities held by Iroquois Master Fund. As President of Iroquois Capital, Richard Abbe makes voting and investment decisions on behalf of Iroquois Capital in its capacity as investment manager to Iroquois Master Fund. As of December 15, 2016, Iroquois Capital Investment Group LLC ("ICIG") held 1,136,364 shares of our Class A common stock. Mr. Abbe is a Managing Member of ICIG. Mr. Abbe has the authority and responsibility for the investments made on behalf of Iroquois Master Fund and ICIG. As such, Mr. Abbe may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of all shares of our Class A Common Stock held by, and shares of our Class A Common Stock underlying warrants (subject to a 4.99% blocker) held by, the Iroquois Master Fund and ICIG. Does not include additional shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants because the holder does not have the right to receive such shares if the holder, together with certain attribution parties, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. The address for Iroquois Master Fund, ICIG and Mr. Abbe is 205 East 42nd Street, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
(5)

Does not include additional shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants because the holder does not have the right to receive such shares if the holder, together with certain attribution parties, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. Anson Advisors Inc and Anson Funds Management LP, the Co-Investment Advisers of Anson Investments Master Fund LP (“Anson”), hold voting and dispositive power over the shares of Class A common stock held by Anson. Bruce Winson is the managing member of Anson Management GP LLC, which is the general partner of Anson Funds Management LP. Moez Kassam and Adam Spears are directors of Anson Advisors Inc. Mr. Winson, Mr. Kassam and Mr. Spears each disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares of Class A common stock except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.  The principal business address of Anson is 190 Elgin Ave; George Town, Grand Cayman.

(6) According to a Schedule 13G filed on December 16, 2016 by Intracoastal Capital LLC (“Intracoastal”), Mitchell P. Kopin and Daniel B. Asher. Consists of an aggregate of (i) 721,437 shares of our Class A common stock and (ii) 1,390,910 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are currently exercisable (subject to a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation). Does not include additional shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants because the holder does not have the right to receive such shares if the holder, together with certain attribution parties, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. The reporting persons share voting power over the shares and share dispositive power over 1,610,589 of the shares. Mr. Kopin and Mr. Asher, each of whom are managers of Intracoastal, have shared voting control and investment discretion over the securities held by Intracoastal. As a result, each of Mr. Kopin and Mr. Asher may be deemed to have beneficial ownership (as determined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of the securities held by Intracoastal. The address of Intercoastal and Mr. Kopin is 245 Palm Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33483. The address of Mr. Asher is 111 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60604.
(7) Consists of 990 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 100 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016.
(8) Consists of 93 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 12 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016.
(9) Consists of 83,984 shares of our Class A common stock beneficially owned by Riverside, 200 shares of our Class A common stock, 188 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 22 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016. Mr. Belluck is the sole manager of Riverside, and as the sole manager, he may be deemed to beneficially own the securities beneficially owned by Riverside. Mr. Belluck and Riverside share voting and investment power over the securities beneficially owned by Riverside.
(10) Consists of 96 shares of our Class A common stock, 188 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 22 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016.
(11) Consists of 130 shares of our Class A common stock, 188 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 22 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016.
(12) Consists of 94 shares of our Class A common stock, 73 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 11 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016.

(13) Consists of 296 shares of our Class A common stock, 188 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable and 22 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days after December 15, 2016.
(14) Includes Messrs. Lacey, Fine, Belluck, Bouska, Bowles, Schaeffer, Scott and Thomas Mannik, our Principal Accounting Officer and Controller.

 

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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Shareholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for shareholder action at our annual meetings consistent with regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and our bylaws. For shareholder proposals to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and proxy card relating to the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act, they must be received by us not later than June 14, 2017, if the 2017 annual meeting is held on or within 30 days of November 16, 2017. In the event that we elect to hold our 2017 annual meeting more than 30 days before or after November 16, 2017, such shareholder proposals would have to be received by us a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials for the 2017 annual meeting. Such proposals must contain specified information, including, among other things, information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement under Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

 

In addition, under the terms of our bylaws, shareholders who desire to present a proposal for action or to nominate directors (other than proposals to be included in our proxy statement and proxy card pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders must provide notice in writing of such proposal or nomination to us no earlier than August 3, 2017 and no later than August 28, 2017 unless the date of the 2017 annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from November 16, 2017. In the event that we elect to hold our 2017 annual meeting more than 30 days before or after November 16, 2017, such shareholder proposals would have to be received by us not less than 50 nor more than 75 days before the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that we provide less than 60 days’ notice or prior public disclosure (which shall include disclosure included within any filing we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission) of the date of such meeting to shareholders, shareholders must provide notice in writing of such proposal or nomination to us not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date on which we provided such notice or public disclosure of the date of such meeting, whichever occurred first, for the 2017 annual meeting. Shareholder notices must contain the information required by Article II, Section 7 of our bylaws.

 

All proposals or other notices should be addressed to us at 833 West South Boulder Road, Louisville, Colorado 80027, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Real Goods Solar, Inc.

 

If we do not have notice of a matter to come before an annual meeting at least 45 days before the first anniversary of the date on which we first sent our proxy materials for the prior year’s annual meeting of shareholders (unless the annual meeting in question is held more than 30 days before or after the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting of shareholders), your proxy card for such annual meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on such matter. In the event that we elect to hold an annual meeting more than 30 days before or after the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting of shareholders, your proxy for such annual meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on such matter if we do not have notice of such matter a reasonable time before we begin to send our proxy materials for such annual meeting.

 

Generally, Colorado law provides that only business within the purpose or purposes descried in the notice for a special meeting of shareholders may be conducted as such special meeting.  If we do not have notice of a matter properly brought before a special meeting under Colorado law a reasonable time before the solicitation for such special meeting, your proxy card for such special meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on such matter.

 

DELIVERY OF MATERIALS

 

Securities and Exchange Commission rules permit a single set of annual reports, proxy statements or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, to be sent to any household at which two or more shareholders reside if they appear to be members of the same family. Each shareholder continues to receive a separate proxy card. This procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information shareholders receive and reduces mailing and printing expenses. A number of brokerage firms have instituted householding. In accordance with a notice that is being sent to certain beneficial shareholders (who share a single address) only one annual report, proxy statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, will be sent to that address unless any shareholder at that address gave contrary instructions. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a copy of such materials to any shareholder requesting the same. However, if any such beneficial shareholder residing at such an address wishes to receive a separate annual report, proxy statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, or if any shareholders who share an address are receiving multiple copies of annual reports, proxy statements or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Statements and wish to receive a single set of annual reports, proxy statements or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, in the future, please contact Computershare, either by calling 1 (800) 368-5948, or by writing to Computershare Investor Services, P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170. You can also contact us by calling (303) 222-8300.

 

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We will provide without charge to any beneficial owner of our Class A common stock as of the Record Date a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any amendments thereto, including the financial statements and the financial statement schedules, upon written or oral request at the following address and telephone number: Real Goods Solar, Inc., 833 West South Boulder Road, Louisville, Colorado 80027, Attention: Corporate Secretary, (303) 222-8300. We will also provide a list briefly describing any exhibits not contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and will furnish a copy of any exhibit not contained therein to a requesting shareholder upon payment of a fee to reimburse our reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibit.

 

COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Shareholders may communicate with our board of directors, including the non-management directors, by sending a letter to our Board of Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Real Goods Solar, Inc., 833 West South Boulder Road, Louisville, Colorado 80027. Our corporate secretary has the authority to disregard any inappropriate communications or to take other appropriate actions with respect to any such inappropriate communications. If deemed an appropriate communication, our corporate secretary will submit your correspondence to the Chairman of the board of directors or to any specific director to whom the correspondence is directed.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

Generally, Colorado law provides that only business within the purpose or purposes descried in the notice for a special meeting of shareholders may be conducted as such special meeting. Our management does not intend to present, and has no information as of the date of preparation of this proxy statement that others will present, any business at the special meeting, other than business pertaining to matters set forth in the notice of special meeting and this proxy statement. However, if other matters requiring the vote of the shareholders properly come before the special meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote the proxies held by them in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

WE URGE YOU TO DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN YOUR PROXY, OR TO VOTE BY THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE PROMPTLY, SO THAT YOUR SHARES MAY BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR WISHES.

 

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PRELIMINARY PROXY CARDReal Goods Solar, Inc.IMPORTANT SPECIAL MEETING INFORMATIONUsing a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.XSpecial Meeting Proxy Card • PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. •A +Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1 – 2. For Against Abstain For Against Abstain1. To approve a reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of Class A common stock at a specific ratio within a range from one-for-five to one-for-thirty-five and to grant authorization to the board of directors to determine the specific ratio and the timing of the reverse stock split at any time before January 23, 2018. 2. To approve the adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve Proposal 1. B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign BelowPlease sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.1UPX 3022892+02HJOC

 

 

 

 

 

 

• PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. •Proxy — Real Goods Solar, Inc.Notice of 2017 Special Meeting of Shareholders833 West South Boulder Road Louisville, Colorado 80027 Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors for Special Meeting — January 23, 2017Dennis Lacey and Alan Fine, or any of them, each with the power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Real Goods Solar, Inc. to be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. local time or at any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof.In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of the Special Meeting. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR each of the proposals or in the discretion of the proxies, with respect to such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of the Special Meeting.(Items to be voted appear on reverse side.)