EMCORE Corporation News

EMCORE's Wins 2008 R&D 100 Award For Inverted Metamorphic Multi-Junction Solar Cell Technology

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 25 PRNewswire-FirstCall — EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq: EMKR) a leading provider of Semi-conductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets, announced today that its world record Inverted Metamorphic (IMM) solar cell technology has been chosen by R&D Magazine for an R&D 100 award. This prestigious award recognizes the IMM solar cell as one of the most innovative technologies of 2008.

This revolutionary solar cell technology provides a platform for EMCORE's next generation photovoltaic products for space and terrestrial solar power applications. Solar cells built using IMM technology recently achieved world record conversion efficiency of 33% used in space, and it is anticipated that efficiency levels in the 42%-45% range will be achieved when adapted for use under the 500-1500X concentrated illumination, typical in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Once commercialized, the CPV systems that are powered with EMCORE's IMM based products will see a reduction in the cost of power generated by approximately 10% to 20%. EMCORE expects to commercialize this technology for both space and terrestrial applications in 2009.

Developed in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Vehicle Systems Directorate of the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the IMM design is comprised of a novel combination of compound semiconductors that enables a superior response to the solar spectrum as compared to conventional multi-junction architecture. Due to its unique design, the IMM cell is approximately one fifteenth the thickness of the conventional multi-junction solar cell and will enable a new class of extremely lightweight, high-efficiency, and flexible solar arrays for space applications. Furthermore, this technology can be readily integrated into EMCORE's complete line of CPV receiver products and the increased conversion efficiency will enable the most cost effective CPV systems. EMCORE has developed a strong intellectual property position for this innovative technology, with over 10 patents pending in the area of solar cell design and manufacturing techniques.

David Danzilio, Vice President and General Manager of EMCORE's Photovoltaics Division stated, "We are pleased that the IMM solar cell platform has been chosen as one of the top technical innovations of 2008. In collaboration with NREL and AFRL, our industry leading scientists and engineers continue to refine and optimize multi-junction solar cell technology to reach higher and higher efficiency performance. This continual investment in our fundamental solar cell technology and production capabilities will support our customer's needs and enable the next generation of space and terrestrial solar power systems in performance and cost."

About EMCORE:

EMCORE Corporation is a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optics unit offers optical components, subsystems and systems that enable the transmission of video, voice and data over high-capacity fiber optic cables for high-speed data and telecommunications, cable television (CATV) and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks. EMCORE's Solar Power unit provides solar products for satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, covered interconnect cells and fully integrated solar panels. For terrestrial applications, EMCORE offers concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems for utility scale solar applications as well as offering its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells and CPV components for use in solar power concentrator systems. For specific information about our company, our products or the markets we serve, please visit our website at http://www.emcore.com .

Safe Harbor

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, and the assumptions underlying such statements, constitute "forward-looking statements" and assumptions underlying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including (a) the failure of the products mentioned (i) to perform as expected without material defects, (ii) to be manufactured at acceptable volumes, yields, and cost, and (iii) to be successful under field conditions, and (b) the ability by the Company's customers to achieve their own business goals and objectives, and to complete the purchases contemplated by the agreements. Readers should also review the risk factors set forth in EMCORE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and EMCORE does not assume any obligation to update these statements.

CONTACT: EMCORE Corporation Adam Gushard Interim Chief Financial Officer (505) 332-5000 info@emcore.com TTC Group Vic Allgeier (646) 290-6400 vic@ttcominc.com

SOURCE EMCORE Corporation

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