EMCORE Corporation enters into an Agreement to supply 60MW of Terrestrial Solar Power Systems in Ontario, Canada

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq: EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite, and terrestrial solar power markets, announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the supply of 60MW of solar power systems that are scheduled for deployment in Ontario, Canada over the next three years.

EMCORE will supply and install turnkey solar power systems in the Sault Ste Marie area utilizing EMCORE's concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems developed at its Albuquerque, NM facility. EMCORE also has the right to substitute other solar technologies in portions of the projects. The project developer, Pod Generating Group (PGG), has secured the licenses and permits for the project through the Ontario Power Authority Standard Offer Program and system deployment is expected to begin in mid-2008. PGG is a developer of photovoltaics-based power generation facilities in Northern Ontario, Canada.

EMCORE's CPV systems are powered by our industry leading high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cells that operate with 500x concentration to provide a lower cost-per-watt than competing technologies. In August 2007, EMCORE announced that it obtained 39% peak conversion efficiency under 1000x concentration on its terrestrial concentrating solar cell products currently in volume production. This compares favorably to typical efficiency of 15-21% on silicon-based solar cells and average 35% efficiency for competing multi-junction cells. The company is in discussions to set up a manufacturing plant in the area to supply the local demand as volume ramps up. EMCORE's continued investment in high-efficiency CPV systems for utility-scale photovoltaic power systems will enable the development of a new alternative energy resource worldwide.

"We are very pleased to receive the opportunity to deploy our first order of utility-scale solar power systems in support of PGG's projects in Ontario," said Earl Fuller, Vice President and General Manager of EMCORE's Solar Power Systems division. "EMCORE's CPV systems are optimized for the lowest cost-per- watt of any utility-scale photovoltaic power system. EMCORE is committed to deploying solar power systems worldwide in the expanding renewable energy marketplace. CPV improves the performance of compound semiconductor-based solar cells, avoids the supply constraint that currently exists with silicon- based solar modules, and provides a lower cost-per-watt," added Mr. Fuller.

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.

The information provided herein may include 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. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any statement or implication that the products described in this press release (i) will be successfully introduced or marketed, (ii) will be qualified and purchased by our customers, or (iii) will perform to any particular specifications or performance or reliability standards. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that, if realized, could materially impair the Company's results of operations, business, and financial condition. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (a) the failure of the products (i) to perform as expected without material defects, (ii) to be manufactured at acceptable volumes, yields, and cost, (iii) to be qualified and accepted by our customers, and (iv) to successfully compete with products offered by our competitors, and (b) factors discussed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, risks and uncertainties may arise from the ability of EMCORE to achieve increased efficiency in its solar cells or to achieve production volumes of those cells or CPV systems. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and EMCORE does not assume any obligation to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

     Contact:
     EMCORE Corporation
     Adam Gushard - Interim Chief Financial Officer
     (505) 332-5000
     info@EMCORE.com

     TTC Group
     Victor Allgeier
     (646) 290-6400
     info@ttcominc.com

SOURCE EMCORE Corporation