ECD Ovonics Plans Thin-Film Solar Module Assembly in China

Rochester Hills, Michigan & Tianjin, China [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. announced that United Solar Ovonic, its wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into an agreement to form a joint venture with Tianjin Jinneng Investment Company (TJIC) to establish a 30-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) module assembly facility in Tianjin, the People’s Republic of China.

The joint venture, to be owned 75% by United Solar Ovonic and 25% by TJIC, will assemble solar modules using solar cells supplied by United Solar Ovonic’s Michigan-based photovoltaic cell manufacturing facilities. The joint venture will have nonexclusive rights to sell PV modules and systems in China. Sales outside China will be through United Solar Ovonic. The parties anticipate that the module assembly equipment will be installed in mid-2008, with operation expected the same year. United Solar Ovonic and ECD Ovonics personnel will supervise the installation of equipment and provide training during the startup phase of the joint venture. The agreement is subject to the approval of Chinese authorities. “The renewable energy laws passed by the Chinese Government envision 10% of total power from renewable energy by 2020,” said Yun Shang Tong, General Manager of TJIC. “TJIC has over 5 gigawatts of installed electrical generating capacity using traditional energy, and we look forward to our joint venture becoming a leading supplier of clean energy in China using United Solar Ovonic’s unique flexible thin-film PV modules.”