Berlin, June 4, 2008 - Berlin-based SOLON AG, one of Europe's biggest manufacturers of solar modules and photovoltaic systems for the construction of large-scale solar power plants, has acquired a 19.5 percent stake in the Italian start-up company Estelux s.r.l.

Estelux plans to build up production of solar silicon using the well-established Siemens process. To this end, the company intends to set up a production site in the north Italian town of Ferrara with an annual production capacity of 4,000 tonnes. Production is scheduled to commence at the end of 2010. The total investment will amount to approx. EUR 360 million.

The purpose of this strategic investment is to broaden SOLON's supply base for raw materials in what remains a demand-driven market and to secure the company's long-term access to additional volumes of solar silicon and solar cells.

About SOLON AG:
SOLON AG is one of the largest solar module manufacturers in Europe and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power plants. The SOLON Group has subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and the U.S. and employs more than 800 people worldwide. The SOLON Group's core business is the manufacture of solar modules in various performance categories and of complete photovoltaic systems for the construction of solar power plants as well as the construction of turn-key solar power plants worldwide.

(Source: SOLON AG für Solartechnik, Berlin)