Marlboro, Massachusetts, July 17, 2007 – Spain is emerging as an important market for Evergreen Solar, as evidenced by the July 16 ground-breaking for a significant new solar power station in the town of Avila. The facility, equipped with 12,240 Evergreen Solar panels, will produce approximately three megawatts of environmentally clean power annually. The power plant is being developed by RALOS Iberica (Madrid).

 

“This unique project marks an important milestone in our strategic global sales and marketing program,” said Dr. Terry Bailey, Evergreen’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “While Germany remains the leader in solar power utilization, Spain is one of several emerging markets that are ripe for growth. Our agreement with RALOS and other collaborations currently under development are providing Evergreen with valuable entrées into these promising new markets.”

 

The Avila project is unique due to the considerable technical challenges presented by the topography of the site. The plant is located on a mountain, 3,100 feet above sea level. To anchor the solar panels securely, the assembly system is anchored to the earth with large bolts measuring more than six feet long. Due to the Spanish government’s stringent environmental requirements, the developer had to prove that the assembly – after 25 years of use – could be dismantled without any parts remaining. In addition, the cables used to transmit electricity to the power grid will be installed underground to preserve the natural landscape.

 

The components used in the Avila power facility are also environmentally compatible. The solar panels are produced from Evergreen Solar's proprietary String Ribbon™ technology. The only technology of its kind in the world, the process includes features important to reducing global warming and maximizing energy efficiency. String Ribbon™ results in panels with the smallest carbon footprint of any crystalline silicon product – nearly 50% smaller than similar panels. Evergreen panels also have an energy payback time as fast as 15 months.

 

The solar power station in Avila is expected to begin transmitting electricity to the local power grid later this year. RALOS Iberica is developing two additional power-generating projects in Spain, each using Evergreen Solar panels, that are projected for completion in 2008.

   

Evergreen Solar, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets solar power products using proprietary, low-cost manufacturing technologies. The Company’s patented crystalline silicon technology, known as String Ribbon, uses significantly less silicon than conventional approaches. Evergreen Solar’s products provide reliable and environmentally clean electric power for residential and commercial applications globally. For more information about the Company, please visit www.evergreensolar.com.