ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., July 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) , announced today that its UNI-SOLAR(R) thin-film flexible solar laminates will power the world's largest rooftop solar power system. The 12-megawatt system is being installed on GM's assembly plant in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, Spain and will become operational in the fall of 2008. ECD will supply the solar laminates through its wholly owned subsidiary, United Solar Ovonic, LLC.
When fully operational, the photovoltaic system will have a peak capacity of 12 megawatts, producing as much as 15 million kilowatt hours of "green" energy annually, enough to power approximately 4,500 homes. The Zaragoza facility marks the third major use of UNI-SOLAR laminates by GM. UNI-SOLAR thin-film flexible solar laminates also power GM parts warehouses in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California, two of the largest rooftop solar power installations in the United States.
"We are pleased that GM is again using United Solar as its solar provider, and that our UNI-SOLAR laminates are the product of choice for the world's largest rooftop solar system," said Mark Morelli, president and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices. "Our UNI-SOLAR laminates are an ideal match for rooftop systems like this one, and we are proud to be a part of this project."
"While there has been recent uncertainty about government incentives for solar energy in Europe, and specifically in Spain, we have had great success with our products throughout Europe, and this project expands our presence in Spain where we see excellent growth opportunities for our UNI-SOLAR laminates, especially in building integrated and commercial rooftop applications," added Mr. Morelli.
GM partnered with Veolia Environnement, a world leader in environmental services, Clairvoyant Energy S.L., the solar energy developer, and the Government of Aragon to develop the Zaragoza renewable energy project. GM will lease its roof space to Clairvoyant Energy and Veolia Environnement, who will build, own and operate the rooftop solar installation.
About Energy Conversion Devices:
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) is the leader in building integrated and commercial rooftop photovoltaics, one of the fastest growing segments of the solar power industry. The company manufactures and sells thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy using proprietary technology. ECD's UNI-SOLAR(R) brand products are unique because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world efficiency. ECD also pioneers other alternative technologies, including a new type of nonvolatile digital memory technology that is significantly faster, less expensive, and ideal for use in a variety of applications including cell phones, digital cameras and personal computers. For more information, please visit www.ovonic.com .
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which Energy Conversion Devices (ECD), as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate. ECD cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based. The risk factors identified in the ECD filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, could impact any forward-looking statements contained in this release.