World Surveillance Group Inc (fka WSGI)

[pokestake]

In case we need a good source for solar cells:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-15-2007/0004546943&...

United Solar Ovonic Awarded $9.1 Million Contract From Air Force Research Laboratory



The contract will continue funding the development of lightweight and high-
efficiency solar cells and solar modules for airship and space applications

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Solar
Ovonic LLC, the world leader in thin-film amorphous-silicon solar
technology and a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
(ECD Ovonics) (Nasdaq: ENER), announced today that the Air Force Research
Laboratory (AFRL) in Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, has exercised an 18-month
contractual option for $9.1 million with United Solar Ovonic to develop new
solar cell technology to be used in space and airship vehicles addressing
defense and homeland security applications.
Today's announcement builds upon the success of earlier contracts with
the Air Force. Since May 2003, United Solar Ovonic has been working with
the Advanced Space Power Generation Group in the Space Vehicles Directorate
of AFRL to develop ultralightweight solar arrays on thin stainless steel
foils and polymers for use in space and airship vehicles. Solar cells on
thin stainless steel foil are already being tested in AFRL experimental
missions such as TacSat-2 satellite, which was launched in December, 2006.
UNI-SOLAR(R) space photovoltaic (PV) products offer an ultralight, low-
cost alternative to conventional space PV modules made of crystalline
silicon or gallium arsenide. UNI-SOLAR(R) triple-junction modules,
originally developed for terrestrial applications, are made of amorphous
silicon-based thin-film alloys, which are deposited on a 5-mil flexible
stainless steel substrate. By utilizing a polymeric substrate, space cells
have already been developed that have a specific power greater than 1000
Watts per kilogram (W/kg), which is significantly higher than what is
currently available. A high specific power is required for airship
application. The radiation hardness and superior high-temperature
performance of amorphous silicon make it an attractive material for space
application.
"Next generation solar arrays for Air Force missions need to be
cheaper, lighter and more stowable than what are currently available," said
John Merrill, Program Manager of the AFRL Advanced Power Generation Program
at Kirtland AFB. "We are impressed with the work that United Solar Ovonic
has been carrying out under AFRL contracts to address these goals."
"We are delighted to collaborate with AFRL to develop products for this
rapidly expanding market," said Subhendu Guha, President and Chief
Operating Officer of United Solar Ovonic. "The new funding will accelerate
our commercial goal of supplying solar cells for satellite and airship
applications."
About United Solar Ovonic
United Solar Ovonic, building on technology invented and pioneered by
ECD Ovonics, is the world leader in thin-film amorphous photovoltaics.
Because of characteristics unique to the United Solar Ovonic solar cell
technology, such as lightweight, ruggedness and flexibility, it is ideal as
building-integrated photovoltaic roofing systems for residential and
industrial customers. ECD Ovonics and United Solar Ovonic hold the basic
patents covering the continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing of thin-film
amorphous-silicon alloy multi-junction solar cells and related products.
More information is available at http://www.uni-solar.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 Ovonics, as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and
appropriate. ECD Ovonics 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 Ovonics filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent
Annual Report on Form 10-K, could impact any forward-looking statements
contained in this release.



SOURCE United Solar Ovonic LLC