Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., a manufacturer of proprietary, thin-film amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) laminates, and Mercury Solar Systems (Mercury), one of the leading solar integrators on the East Coast, today announced that they have signed a multi-year direct supply agreement.

"This agreement expands the distribution of our UNI-SOLAR brand products in eastern U.S., a market which we think has a tremendous growth potential,” said Mark Morelli, ECD's President and CEO. “Mercury is an ideal partner given their expansive commercial infrastructure and successful experience in installing our products over the past several years. We look forward to working with them to grow the commercial rooftop solar market on the East Coast."

Under the terms of the agreement, ECD will sell UNI-SOLAR laminates to Mercury, and will provide technical training and aid in the design of future solar PV systems installed by Mercury's team. Mercury will become a direct integrator of ECD's UNI-SOLAR brand products, and expects to purchase approximately 15MW of laminates over the term of the agreement.

Jared Haines, President, Mercury Solar Systems, said, "We have consistently been attracted to UNI-SOLAR products because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world performance. They offer the highest kWh per kW installed and are great for new roof installations especially in high wind areas." He added, "Our partnership with ECD is just further validation of Mercury's unwavering commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality products at the most affordable prices."

At less than one pound per square foot, UNI-SOLAR laminates are lightweight, nonintrusive and require no rooftop penetrations or mounting systems, eliminating the negative impact on roof life and performance that is associated with penetrating PV systems. Additionally, these thin-film PV laminates provide a solid return on investment through a low installed cost and low cost per-kilowatt-hour of energy produced when compared to the traditional rigid glass panel PV alternatives.