Energy Conversion Devices Congratulates Congressman Chris Van Hollen for his Vision of Including Green Bank Creation in Jobs Bill

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER), the leading global manufacturer of thin-film flexible solar laminate products for the building integrated and commercial rooftop markets, commented today on the letter sent by Congressman Chris Van Hollen to President Obama urging the President to include creation of a Green Bank in the Jobs Bill.

In his letter to President Obama, Congressman Van Hollen proposed the creation of a "Green Bank" separate and apart from the existing bureaucracy of government, similar to the Clean Energy Deployment Administration included in the House-passed American Clean Energy and Security Act, and mandate that the Green Bank support private investment in conventional, job-generating retrofit and clean energy projects across every state in America.

Congressman Van Hollen also noted, "A Green Bank could be capitalized on a one-time basis with $20 billion and never need another dime from government. With an annual budget of less than $200 million and several hundred employees, it could cause more than $200 billion in new private sector investment, propel economic growth and create more than two million good-paying jobs over the next three years. Most importantly, it could launch a new era of broadly shared prosperity in a way that permanently strengthens our national security."

"We continue to be very appreciative of the Obama Administration's efforts to support American clean technology," said Mark Morelli, ECD President and CEO. "As part of the effort to support clean energy and clean technology development, we support Congressman Van Hollen's request that the Green Bank be created and implemented quickly. The most efficient way to do this is in the Jobs Bill. Our American clean technology and clean energy industries need immediate and visible support to continue the recovery that has begun with the stimulus programs.  The Green Bank will be a critical partner with private industry to deliver on the promise of job creation and energy independence."

About Energy Conversion Devices

Energy Conversion Devices 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. Through its Solar Integrated Technologies business, the company also designs, manufactures and installs rooftop photovoltaic systems which enable customers to transform unused space on the rooftop into a value-generating asset. 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 products; and risks associated with integrating Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. 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.

SOURCE Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.