AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Solar, the global manufacturer of UNI-SOLAR® lightweight, flexible solar modules and a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq:ENER) announced today that Baker Renewable Energy has completed the installation of a 2.6 megawatt (MW) system containing its photovoltaic laminates on the roof of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner jet assembly plant located in North Charleston, South Carolina.

"We are very pleased with the results of the project. The design, installation and commissioning of the system went as planned. We are very proud of the team effort put in by SCANA and Baker Renewable Energy to execute this for Boeing," said Jason Epstein, Executive Vice President of Baker Renewable Energy.  

As one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the United States, the 2.6 MW project is expected to offset both a significant percentage of the building usage and 3,660 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. In addition, the energy generation is projected to be over 3,950 MWh per year and is enough to supply power to nearly 870 homes. The assembly plant was operational this past July and the first 787 Dreamliner to be built there will take flight in mid 2012.

"United Solar is proud to have been selected by Baker Renewable Energy for this 2.6 MW rooftop installation, highlighting Boeing's commitment to clean, renewable solar energy," said Julian Hawkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of ECD, parent company of United Solar. "UNI-SOLAR PV laminates are engineered to be building-integrated, ultra-lightweight and non-reflective making them ideally suited for large buildings around airports where low profile, lightweight, and low glare solar solutions are needed. The Baker Renewable Energy team has done a world class job bonding our laminates to Boeing's membrane roof and executing on this project."

View a short video courtesy of South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G) and Baker Renewable Energy at .

United Solar has more than 25 years experience in the solar industry, 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. The company also designs, manufactures and installs rooftop photovoltaic systems, which enable customers to transform unused rooftop space into a value-generating asset. With the Open Solar™ initiative the company is seeking to build a community of solar innovators who will commercialize new products using the underlying, patented UNI-SOLAR technology. For more information on United Solar visit uni-solar.com or follow UNI-SOLAR on Facebook.com/unisolar and Twitter.com/uni_solar.

About Baker Renewable Energy

Baker Renewable Energy is a premier provider of renewable energy and green building strategies in the southeast. We offer a full line of residential, commercial, and governmental solutions, built on the foundation of 97 years of quality service and installations in the construction industry as a Division of Baker Roofing Company. 


CONTACT: United Solar Public Relations Contact:

         Kim Paulson

         Corporate Marketing Manager

         pr@uni-solar.com

         +1 (248) 299-6081

         

         Baker Renewable Energy Contact:

         Jason Epstein

         Executive Vice President

         jepstein@bakerrenewable.com

         +1 (919) 334-6961