BALTIMORE, May, 11, 2011 - Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) today announced it will develop a 5.38 megawatt on-site solar installation for Toys“R”Us at the retailer’s nearly 1.3 million-square-foot distribution center in Flanders, N.J. Constellation Energy will build, own and maintain the system and Toys“R”Us will purchase all of the electricity generated from the solar panels under a 20-year power purchase agreement. The system is scheduled to be operable by summer 2011.
When completed, the Toys“R”Us solar power system will be the largest customer-sited, rooftop solar installation to date in the United States. The system will be comprised of 37,389 UNI-SOLAR® brand photovoltaic solar panels manufactured by United Solar, a global manufacturer of lightweight, flexible thin-film solar modules and a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ: ENER).
The system is expected to generate approximately 6.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, significantly reducing utility costs each year at the Toys“R”Us facility. Generating the same amount of electricity using nonrenewable sources would result in the release of 4,569 metric tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent emissions from 874 passenger vehicles annually, according to U.S. EPA data.
“Constellation Energy is pleased to develop this solar power system for Toys“R”Us and help support its commitment to sustainable operations,” said Michael D. Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation Energy’s retail business. “This system is a great example of how Constellation collaborates with our existing energy customers to provide additional value-added products and services. By combining solar with other environmentally responsible energy choices, such as energy conservation measures and renewable energy certificates, Constellation customers can further green their energy use and minimize costs.”
“UNI-SOLAR laminates are the most lightweight solar product available on the market globally, and they are a perfect fit for the Toys“R”Us rooftop,” said John Williams, vice president of strategic accounts for United Solar. “It has been a pleasure to work with Constellation Energy and Toys“R”Us on the largest solar rooftop installation in the U.S.”
Constellation Energy currently owns and operates 60 megawatts of solar installations that have been completed or are under construction for customers throughout the United States. By structuring projects as power purchase agreements, Constellation Energy solar installations require no upfront capital from its customers and provide fixed power costs that are less than projected market rates.
Commercial customers, universities, school systems, hospitals and government agencies interested in on-site solar installations of 1 megawatt or larger may contact Constellation Energy at sustainable-solutions@constellation.com or 1-877-427-2005. To watch a brief video about Constellation Energy’s solar power systems, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyaXDmgM55M.
About Constellation Energy
Constellation Energy (www.constellation.com) is a leading competitive supplier of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. It owns a diversified fleet of generating units, totaling approximately 12,000 megawatts of generating capacity, and is a leading advocate for clean, environmentally sustainable energy sources, such as solar power and nuclear energy. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland. A FORTUNE 500 company headquartered in Baltimore, Constellation Energy had revenues of $14.3 billion in 2010.
About Energy Conversion Devices/United Solar
Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) (NASDAQ: ENER), through its United Solar subsidiary, is a global leader in building-integrated and rooftop photovoltaics. 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. 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 energyconversiondevices.com.
Media Contacts:
For Constellation Energy
Kelly Biemer
410-470-7433
For Energy Conversion Devices/United Solar:
Wendy Ventura, Marketing Communications Manager
248-299-6064
