Bekaert ECD Solar Systems Announces a New UNI-SOLAR(R) Product
3 May 2000
Bekaert ECD Solar Systems Announces a New UNI-SOLAR(R) Product
TROY, Mich., May 3 Bekaert ECD Solar Systems LLC, a joint
venture of United Solar Systems Corp. (United Solar) and N.V. Bekaert S.A.
(Bekaert), announced today the introduction of the Field Applied Flexible
Roofing Laminate, a new UNI-SOLAR(R) product. This solar electric roofing
laminate simplifies the solar roofing installation process, while utilizing
the same unique Triple Junction Technology found in all Bekaert ECD Solar
Systems products which was originally developed by United Solar and Energy
Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER). United Solar is the world
leader in thin-film amorphous solar electric cells. ECD and United Solar have
pioneered, developed and hold basic patents covering the continuous roll-to-
roll manufacturing of thin-film amorphous silicon alloy multi-junction solar
cells and related products, including flexible solar battery chargers, UNI-
POWER framed power modules, UNI-KIT Lighting Systems, UNI-PAC portable solar
chargers and UNI-SOLAR(R) award-wining Roofing Shingles.
Traditionally, the UNI-SOLAR(R) proprietary solar electric laminate has
been factory-bonded to a metal roof pan. Now with a special factory-
installed, rubberized, asphalt-bonding agent on the back of the laminate, this
can be done in the field. The laminate is designed to be bonded to a 16-inch
wide, flat Galvalume(R) metal roof pan. A rugged, weatherproof junction box
can be field applied on the top of the finished product.
The field application of this product increases the uses for solar
roofing, with an easy installation process. This laminate will be provided in
a roll-shippable form, which decreases the shipping costs dramatically over
other solar electric modules used in roofing applications.
These solar electric roofing laminates are appropriate for a wide variety
of applications, from single-module solar home systems to large village
hybrids, or grid-connected installations. Available are 64 and 128-watt
laminates, which are UL pending. These unique solar electric laminates are
flexible, rugged and lightweight and offer significant advantages over
conventional solar panels in providing more energy per rated watt under normal
outdoor conditions.
Approximately 34 states in the USA have passed regulatory policies and
offer programs for installing solar energy on residential and commercial
buildings.
Bekaert, the worldwide leading manufacturer of steel wire, steel wire
products and steel cord, is a fast-growing manufacturer of advanced materials.
Its market and technological leadership is based on metal forming and a wide
range of coating technologies. Bekaert is a worldwide company with over 70
production centers and a workforce of 17,000 people. Bekaert's web site
address is http://www.bekaert.com .
ECD is a leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of
advanced production technology and innovative products. It has pioneered and
developed enabling technologies leading to new products and production
processes based on amorphous, disordered and related materials, with an
emphasis on alternative energy and advanced information technologies. ECD's
web site address is http://www.ovonic.com .
For more information on the new Field Applied Roofing Laminate or other
UNI-SOLAR product information, please contact Bekaert ECD Solar Systems LLC,
or visit our website at http://www.uni-solar.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 United
Solar, Bekaert and ECD, as of the date of this release, believe to be
reasonable and appropriate. The parties caution, 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.