ECD Ovonics Solar Technology Overview

Amorphous cells with different light absorption properties also can be deposited continuously, one on top of another, to capture the broad solar spectrum more effectively which increases the energy conversion efficiency of the multi-cell device and improves performance stability. This unique multi-junction approach has resulted in world record efficiencies for our a-Si technology.

We have advanced our pioneering work in a-Si alloy PV through our joint venture, United Solar, and hold the current world records for both large- and small-area conversion efficiency for a-Si solar cells, as measured by the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

To further reduce the manufacturing cost of PV modules, we have pioneered the development of and have the fundamental patents on a unique approach utilizing proprietary continuous roll-to-roll solar cell deposition process. With our automated solar cell manufacturing machine, we use a roll of flexible stainless steel — 1/2 mile long and 14 inches wide — to sequentially deposit nine thin-film layers of a-Si alloy in a high yield, making a continuous, stacked three-cell structure. The roll of solar cell material, then, is processed further for use in a variety of photovoltaic products.

Our most notable expansion was achieved with our first football field sized solar cell production machine facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan,(Auburn Hills 1), where our annual production is currently at its full capacity of 28MW. This plant is fully automated and allows simultaneous processing of six rolls of stainless steel — each 1-1/2 miles long — during deposition of the a-Si layers.

This basic approach, pioneered by us, is unique in the industry and has significant manufacturing cost advantages. We believe that, in high-volume production, our PV modules will be significantly less expensive than conventional crystalline silicon and other thin-film solar modules produced on glass and can be cost competitive with fossil fuels.

page 1 | 2

United Solar Ovonic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.