2009-12-11 10:04:34 -

London, December , 11, 2009

Sandvika, December 11, 2009, REC and ECN (Energy research Center of
the Netherlands) have together made the world's first
multicrystalline solar panels with 17.0 percent efficiency.

The previous world record at 16.5 percent was beaten in the
innovation race where the solar industry takes frequent leaps in
technology development to make solar power a mainstream energy source
in the near future.

The world record was a result of a joint effort - REC produced the
highest quality multicrystalline solar wafers from the latest wafer
production lines in Norway (these wafers are characterized by very
low level of impurities and dislocation densities achieved by using
REC's latest generation wafer furnaces). ECN produced the cells and
assembled the world record solar panel.

"Reaching the 17 percent milestone has been a challenge to
researchers for many years. The fact that ECN and REC now break this
shows the enormous progress made in solar energy technology over the
last few years and by REC and ECN in particular. I am glad to report
this new world record in the solar cell efficiency tables in January,
2010", says Chief Editor of Progress in Photovoltaics Martin Green.

"We are pleased that our efforts in wafer technology development have
allowed us to achieve this world record. Our previous joint REC/ECN
record measurement was at 16.4 percent efficiency, and significant
effort has gone in to reaching the 17 percent milestone", says SVP
and CTO Erik Sauar.

"For ECN, it is most important to show our progress in industrially
viable technology. The world record shows the enormous potential and
we are certain that soon the first products will be available through
our partners", says Managing Director of ECN Ton Hoff.

The performance measurement result was recently officially confirmed
by European Solar Test Installation (ESTI). The measurements were
done under Standard Test Conditions and represent aperture area
efficiency.

For further information, please contact:
SVP & CTO Erik Sauar, tel.: +47 915 57 968
ECN Program Manager Jan Bultman, tel.: +31 224 56 4786


About REC
REC is the leading vertically integrated player in the solar energy
industry. REC Silicon and REC Wafer are among the world's largest
producers of polysilicon and wafers for solar applications. REC Solar
is a rapidly growing manufacturer of solar cells and modules, and are
also engaging in project development activities in selected segments
of the PV market. REC had revenues of NOK 8 191 million and an
operating profit of NOK 2 529 million in 2008. More than 3 000
employees work in REC's worldwide organization. Please also see
www.recgroup.com.

About ECN
The Energy research Centre of the Netherlands develops high-quality
knowledge and technology for the transition to sustainable energy
management. ECN introduces this knowledge and technology to the
market. ECN's focus is on energy conservation, sustainable energy and
an efficient and clean use of fossil fuels. www.ecn.nl/home

About ESTI
The European Solar Test Installation is the first accredited test
facility for the calibration of photovoltaic devices worldwide,
offering photovoltaic type approval tests and calibration services to
manufacturers, research partners and other users. ESTI is part of the
Renewable Energy Unit in the Institute for Energy which is one of the
seven scientific institutes of the Joint Research Centre of the
European Commission. ie.jrc.ec.europa.eu


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