TROY, Mich., Oct. 2 // — Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER – news) and United Solar Systems Corp. (United Solar) announced today that they have retained Scott Sklar, long-time Executive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), to provide strategic market development of ECD and United Solar products and technology. Sklar, nationally-known as the solar industries’ spokesman in Washington, D.C. and former aide to Senator Jacob K. Javits (NY), is a well-known expert in distributed energy generation, renewable energy, and in clean energy project development. Stan Ovshinsky, ECD president and CEO, called Sklar’s engagement “a perfect fit as we expand our technology lines for hydrogen generation, advanced electric storage and solar electricity. Scott Sklar’s vision and energy are a fine match as he assumes the role as Director of Strategic Markets.” Subhendu Guha, president of United Solar, stated, “As we build our next generation 25 megawatt solar plant this coming year, Scott Sklar will help forge strategic alliances with clean energy industry partners and users and establish innovative approaches in market development.” Sklar is co-author of the book “A Consumer Guide to Solar Energy” and lives in a solar home in Arlington, VA. Sklar joined ECD and United Solar through his strategic consulting practice, The Stella Group, Ltd. of Arlington, VA. United Solar is the world leader in thin-film amorphous photovoltaics. 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. Among its many PV products, United Solar offers a revolutionary new line of solar electric roofing panels, which are unique, flexible, lightweight and architecturally attractive. The UNI-SOLAR® roofing products include standing seam metal roofing and solar roofing shingles, which have been lauded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Other products include solar battery chargers, framed power modules, Uni-Kit Lighting Systems, which offer significant advantages over conventional solar panels in providing more energy per rated watt under normal outdoor conditions. United Solar’s web site address is http://www.uni-solar.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 emphasis on energy and information. ECD’s energy work includes photovoltaics, fuel cells, hydride batteries and hydride storage materials capable of storing hydrogen in a solid state for use as a feed stock for fuel cells or internal combustion engines or as an enhancement or replacement for any type of hydrocarbon fuel. In the area of information technology, ECD has originated phase-change memories and Ovonic threshold switches as well as advanced Ovonyx unified memories. ECD’s web site address is http://www.ovonic.com . SOURCE: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. and United Solar Systems Corp.
