Sep 18 2007
United Solar Ovonic LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., announced today that it has signed an 18-month agreement with EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN) for the supply of 12 MW, with an option to buy an additional 18 MW, of UNI-SOLAR thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminates to be used for large-scale installations on industrial and commercial buildings.
Headquartered in Paris, France, EDF EN will use UNI-SOLAR laminates to develop its photovoltaic business especially in the building-integrated segment.
"This is another important illustration of the potential of UNI-SOLAR products in large-scale commercial installations," said Subhendu Guha, president and chief operating officer of United Solar Ovonic. "These installations benefit our customers, and they benefit the environment. We are pleased to help lead the growing movement toward the increased use of renewable sources of energy."
"This new agreement demonstrates the acceptance of our product in the European market. With the feed-in tariff recently approved in France, there is a preference for building-integrated photovoltaic installations. Our agreement with EDF EN follows our overall strategic plan to expand our presence in emerging markets like France," said Salama Naguib, vice president of global sales & marketing at United Solar Ovonic.
Unlike traditional crystalline technology, which typically uses heavy glass panels, UNI-SOLAR products are flexible, durable, lightweight, and easy to install. Because of these characteristics, UNI-SOLAR triple-junction products offer the ideal solution for both grid-connected and off-grid solar electric systems. Independent studies in Europe and elsewhere have shown that triple-junction products deliver more energy per rated power than the conventional crystalline products.
"The lightweight and flexible UNI-SOLAR products are ideal for integration with the roofs of industrial and commercial buildings. We are pleased to work with United Solar Ovonic to expand our market reach," said Paris Mouratoglou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDF Energies Nouvelles.