EMCORE Deploys First Concentrator Solar Photovoltaic System in China with the XinAo Group

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov 21, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- EMCORE Corporation a leading provider of semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets, announced today its first deployment of a concentrator photovolataics (CPV) system in China with the XinAo Group, one of China's largest energy companies. As part of an earlier agreement, the 50 kilowatt (kW) test and evaluation system is fully installed and operational, and is producing power in accordance with specifications. EMCORE and XinAo continue to have discussions regarding the possible construction of a joint-owned plant in China, to manufacture CPV systems designed and certified by EMCORE for its innovative coal gasification project and the Chinese market.
Dr. John Iannelli, Corporate Chief Technology Officer and General Manager of EMCORE's Solar Power Division stated, "We are pleased to introduce the first CPV terrestrial power system in China in partnership with the XinAo Group and look forward to pursuing other solar power opportunities in China's emerging renewable energy market."
In early October, EMCORE was also granted access permits for its 850-kW commercial solar park installation in the Extremedora region of Spain. In addition to these two deployments, EMCORE expects several other pilot sites to be deployed by the end of the year.
EMCORE's deployed CPV systems are powered by our industry leading high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cells that operate with 500x concentration. EMCORE continues its investment to develop a next-generation system design with enhanced performance (including a module efficiency of approximately 30%) and much improved cost structure. The new design (Generation III) is scheduled to be in volume production by the second half of calendar 2009. EMCORE has recently responded to several RFPs from public utility companies using Gen-III products as its baseline and expects to receive positive feedback on these proposals before the end of 2008.

EMCORE Wins 2008 R&D 100 Award For Inverted Metamorphic Multi-junction Solar Cell Technology

Albuquerque, NM, July 25, 2008 - EMCORE Corporation (NASDQ: EMKR) a leading provider of Semi-conductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets, announced today that its world record Inverted Metamorphic (IMM) solar cell technology has been chosen by R&D Magazine for an R&D 100 award. This prestigious award recognizes the IMM solar cell as one of the most innovative technologies of 2008.

This revolutionary solar cell technology provides a platform for EMCORE’s next generation photovoltaic products for space and terrestrial solar power applications. Solar cells built using IMM technology recently achieved world record conversion efficiency of 33% used in space, and it is anticipated that efficiency levels in the 42%-45% range will be achieved when adapted for use under the 500-1500X concentrated illumination, typical in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Once commercialized, the CPV systems that are powered with EMCORE’s IMM based products will see a reduction in the cost of power generated by approximately 10% to 20%. EMCORE expects to commercialize this technology for both space and terrestrial applications in 2009.

Developed in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Vehicle Systems Directorate of the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the IMM design is comprised of a novel combination of compound semiconductors that enables a superior response to the solar spectrum as compared to conventional multi-junction architecture. Due to its unique design, the IMM cell is approximately one fifteenth the thickness of the conventional multi-junction solar cell and will enable a new class of extremely lightweight, high-efficiency, and flexible solar arrays for space applications. Furthermore, this technology can be readily integrated into EMCORE’s complete line of CPV receiver products and the increased conversion efficiency will enable the most cost effective CPV systems. EMCORE has developed a strong intellectual property position for this innovative technology, with over 10 patents pending in the area of solar cell design and manufacturing techniques.

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