United Solar Earns Certified Green Business Designation

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Dec. 22, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) and a leading global manufacturer of light-weight, flexible thin-film solar modules, today announced it received the Certified Green Business designation.

"Our core research, development and manufacturing business is helping achieve a more environmentally-friendly planet by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels through the wider use of solar energy around the globe," said Mark Morelli, President and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices. "But it would mean nothing if we, as a business, were not serious about recycling and additional best practices for conserving and better using the earth's resources."

United Solar followed the certification requirements of the Institute for Green Business Certification, Inc. (IGBC) to achieve the "Certified Green Business" designation. United Solar demonstrated its outstanding commitment to the environmental health and well-being of the communities it serves, according to the Institute. Requirements for certification include leadership and commitment in recycling, water and energy conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention, chemical usage reduction, proper handling of pollutants and environmentally friendly purchasing – as well as fulfilling the environmental elements of EPA and OSHA regulations.

Examples of United Solar's recognized environmental leadership include:

• In 2009, its Greenville, Michigan facility recycled over 2 million pounds of metals, plastics and cardboard, saving more than 24 million BTUs and more than 800 trees.
• At its two Auburn Hills, Michigan plants, 125,000 pounds of cardboard were recycled in 2009 and 150,000 pounds in 2010, equivalent to saving 1194 cubic yards of landfill space – plus 6,103 gallons of oil were additionally saved.

IGBC is the oldest international organization of its kind to certify business practices. For more information on IGBC go to www.gbcertified.org .

About Energy Conversion Devices/United Solar

Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) (Nasdaq:ENER) is a leader in building-integrated and rooftop photovoltaics. The company manufactures, sells and installs thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to 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. In addition, ECD's Ovonic Materials Division is the pioneer in NiMH battery technology, and is developing low cost fuel cells, hydrogen production from bioreformation, and hydrogen storage technologies. For more information, please visit www.energyconversiondevices.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. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future net sales or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to expansions, business trends and other information that is not historical information. All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us on the date of this release and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause such results to differ include: our ability to maintain our customer relationships; the worldwide demand for electricity and the market for solar energy; the supply and price of components and raw materials for our products; and our customers' ability to access the capital needed to finance the purchase of our product. 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.

CONTACT:  Energy Conversion Devices
          Investor Relations Contact:
          Michael E. Schostak
          [phone]
          [e-mail]

          United Solar
          Public Relations Contact:
          Wendy Ventura
          [phone] x6206
          [e-mail]

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