Thin-film Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity Grows at ECD Ovonics

Rochester Hills, Michigan [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) is expanding its thin-film solar module manufacturing capacity by another 60 megawatts (MW) per annum by adding a second facility at its Greenville, Michigan site, with operation expected to begin mid-2008.

The solar module equipment for this expansion will be manufactured by ECD Ovonics’ Production Technology and Machine Building Division. This division has designed, developed and manufactured multiple generations of photovoltaic (PV) production lines for United Solar Ovonic, its wholly owned subsidiary, and is presently producing the equipment for the Auburn Hills II facility. Construction of the first 60 MW per annum facility at Greenville is under way and expected to begin operation in late 2007. Plus, a new 30 MW per annum facility (Auburn Hills II) is anticipated to begin operation in Fall 2006. ECD Ovonics’ existing solar module manufacturing plant (Auburn Hills I) is presently at 28 MW per annum and continues to advance manufacturing production to its expected capacity of 30 MW per annum. The company’s growth reflects its intention to expand its solar module manufacturing capacity to an annual capacity exceeding 300 MW by 2010.