Michigan Governor Granholm Tours United Solar Ovonic's State-Of-The-Art Manufacturing Facility in Promoting State's Emerging Leadership in Alternative Energy

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited United Solar Ovonic's Greenville manufacturing facility as part of her Alternative Energy Tour highlighting the state's growing emphasis on renewable energy initiatives. United Solar Ovonic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. NASDAQ: ENER, is a leading producer of lightweight and flexible solar panels, branded under the UNI-SOLAR(R) name.

The first phase of the United Solar Greenville site is a 203,000 square-foot facility that commenced operations in November 2007 and currently employs 185 people. When fully ramped in 2009, the two facilities will employ more than 400 people and have an annual production capacity of 120 megawatts of solar laminates, enough electricity to power 48,000 homes.

"United Solar Ovonic is a great example of the type of investment needed to ensure Michigan's economic success in the 21st century," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "The company is a strong anchor for Michigan's alternative energy industry -- and they are taking full advantage of Michigan's exceptional workforce, first-tier engineering, R & D talents and a business climate tuned to growing emerging businesses."

"We applaud Governor Granholm for her support in fostering opportunities for Michigan to play a leadership role in the rapidly growing global alternative energy industry," stated Mark Morelli, president and chief executive officer of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD). We have been pleased with the partnership we have forged with Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to make it possible for us to build new facilities and create additional jobs right here in Michigan. We look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship."

In addition to its Greenville operations, United Solar has two manufacturing facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan with annual production capacities of 28 and 30 megawatts, respectively. United Solar expects to expand its annual manufacturing capacity to 300 megawatts by 2010. United Solar Ovonic currently employs 883 people in Michigan and more than 1350 people worldwide.

As part of her Alternative Energy Development plan for Michigan, Governor Granholm will soon present a proposal to the state Legislature to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) for its statewide electricity production. The proposal would require 10% of Michigan's electricity generation to come from clean, renewable sources like wind, solar and biofuels by 2015. Once that standard has been set, a second phase would expand the RPS to a full 25% of the state's electrical energy by 2025.

About United Solar Ovonic

United Solar Ovonic, a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. NASDAQ: ENER, manufactures and sells thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy using proprietary technology. Distributed globally under the UNI-SOLAR(R) brand, the company's products are ideally suited for cost- effective solar roofing solutions because they are lightweight, durable, flexible, can be integrated directly with building materials, and generate more energy in real-world conditions. For more information, please visit www.uni-solar.com and www.ovonic.com.

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which ECD, as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate. ECD cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based. The risk factors identified in the ECD filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, could impact any forward-looking statements contained in this release.