AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (OTC:ENERQ.PK) and a leading global manufacturer of light-weight, flexible thin-film solar modules, is proud to announce its superior performance against the competition at the first thin-film solar demonstration installation at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
A 10.1 kilowatt (kW) solar PV energy system was installed at Notre Dame's Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering as part of a demonstration project. The project features two (2) thin-film technologies donated by United Solar channel partner, Inovateus Solar. It includes 36 UNI-SOLAR PVL-144 laminates representing 5.1 kW of the total installation. The flexible UNI-SOLAR laminates are adhered directly to the roof surface through a peel and stick adhesive, requiring no roof penetrations. The entire solar PV installation is expected to supply over 12,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, helping to meet the buildings energy needs.
Inovateus Solar has been tracking the total energy yield produced from both solar arrays since the installation was completed on August 15, 2011. Since then, UNI-SOLAR laminates have consistently outperformed its competition, producing more energy daily and surpassing the expected average yield expectations on numerous occasions. For more information and real-time data, please visit the Notre Dame Fitzpatrick Hall plant profile tracking site.
"Inovateus Solar has found it necessary to facilitate solar energy test sites such as the one at Notre Dame", said T.J. Kanczuzewski, President of Inovateus Solar. "By conducting demonstration projects, our company can gain the knowledge needed to better serve our clients."
Notre Dame intends to utilize the solar installation not only for the clean energy produced but also for educational purposes. This thin-film installation will offer substantial research and analysis opportunities and can serve as a controlled comparison for the other solar applications already installed at Stinson-Remick Hall. Faculty and students can also observe the installation for real-time demonstration and analysis.
"UNI-SOLAR laminates continue to outperform the competition because of their ability to perform in high temperatures, low light and shadow tolerant conditions," said Julian Hawkins, President and CEO of United Solar. "It is unique product attributes like this that allow UNI-SOLAR to provide a cost-saving renewable energy solution worldwide."
United Solar, with more than 25 years experience in the industry of solar power generation, is the largest manufacturer of lightweight, flexible solar panels in the world, and has been awarded nearly 70 United States patents for various technological advancements.
About United Solar/UNI-SOLAR®
United Solar has been a global leader in building-integrated and rooftop photovoltaics for over 25 years. The company manufactures, sells and installs thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight into clean, renewable energy using proprietary technology for which the company has been awarded over 70 U.S. patents. UNI-SOLAR® brand products are unique because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world energy production. For more information on United Solar visit uni-solar.com or follow UNI-SOLAR on http://Facebook.com/unisolar and http://Twitter.com/uni_solar.
United Solar and its parent company Energy Conversion Devices, Inc, on February 14, 2012 filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court the Eastern District of Michigan. More information about the Chapter 11 filing is available on the Internet at http://www.energyconversiondevices.com/restructuring.php.