AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq:ENER) and leading global manufacturer of UNI-SOLAR® light-weight, flexible thin-film solar modules, announced today that it was the primary equipment provider of the solar energy system installed at The Green Well Gastro Pub in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The solar energy system was installed as part of Consumers Energy's SmartStreet™ project, which focuses on emerging opportunities for saving energy, saving money and improving the environment. A year-long pilot project centered in the Grand Rapids community of East Hills, SmartStreet previews the ways Consumers Energy is using energy efficiency and renewable energy resources to help meet the growing customer demand for energy. SmartStreet has installed smart meters at approximately 60 homes and commercial properties in the East Hills neighborhood. These customers have received energy audits and energy efficient lighting. Using web portals and home energy display units, the participating customers can track and actively control their energy usage in near real time.
"We are pleased SmartStreet has brought together two Michigan-based businesses, United Solar and The Green Well, to create this solar demonstration project," said Kristin van Reesema, SmartStreet project manager for Consumers Energy. "The Green Well's culture and commitment to sustainability, as well as its roof-access to the sun, made it an ideal site for the solar demonstration with UNI-SOLAR's made-in-Michigan product. It's a great location for sharing Consumers Energy's message about renewable energy."
Van Reesema said the solar demonstration project was part of Consumers Energy's commitment to the Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative. The utility has committed to spending $250 million more with Michigan businesses over the next five years to boost the state's economy and create jobs.
United Solar and Cascade Renewable Energy, which supplied the engineering and design services, are proud sponsors of the SmartStreet project. The Green Well project combines solar power with energy efficiency and smart meter technology, all working tandem. This project acts as a demonstration installation and consists of ten UNI-SOLAR brand PowerTilt® photovoltaic modules. At maximum output, the installed solar panels can generate 1.44 kilowatts of electricity. Green Well customers can view a video and watch a real-time display of the energy being produced by the rooftop UNI-SOLAR solar panels.
"United Solar is proud to have worked with Consumers Energy and its SmartStreet project in its endeavor to utilize solar energy in our home state of Michigan," said Michael E. Schostak, Director of Business Development and Communications at United Solar's parent company, Energy Conversion Devices. "We believe that strong commercial and utility partnerships can drive the advancement of solar energy as together we work to make solar a convenient and cost-effective source of clean, renewable energy generation."
United Solar has more than 25 years experience in the industry of solar power generation, and is the largest manufacturer of lightweight, flexible solar panels in the world.
About Energy Conversion Devices / United Solar
Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) (Nasdaq:ENER) is a global leader in building-integrated and rooftop photovoltaics. Through its United Solar Ovonic subsidiary, the company manufactures, sells and installs thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to clean, renewable energy using proprietary technology. ECD's UNI-SOLAR® brand products are unique because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world efficiency. The company also designs, manufactures and installs rooftop photovoltaic systems, which enable customers to transform unused rooftop space into a value-generating asset. ECD's Ovonic Materials Division includes the Ovonic Battery Company, the inventor and worldwide licensor of nickel-metal-hydride battery technology and the developer of proprietary advanced lithium-ion cathode materials, along with other emerging energy storage technologies. ECD's Ovonyx joint venture is the inventor and worldwide licensor of phase change memory (PCM) technology. For more information, please visit ECD on the web at energyconversiondevices.com, on Facebook, and follow ECD on Twitter @ECD_ENER.