Global Solar Delivers First Solar Shipment to U.S. Army; Participates in Multi-Nation Military-Humanitarian Exercise.

Business Editors

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2000

Global Solar Energy delivered the first of 10 solar-powered electric generating systems to the U.S. Army Monday as part of a nearly half-million dollar contract.

The system will first be used in "Operation Strong Angel" -- an unprecedented military and humanitarian exercise involving the armed forces of seven countries. The exercise will be conducted near Waimea on the island of Hawaii from June 11-15.

Global Solar's proprietary thin-film photovoltaic systems were sought for their flexibility, ultra-light weight and exceptional durability in rugged conditions of use.

Today's shipment consists of 56 flexible, lightweight solar collector panels, each measuring 26 inches by 54 inches and weighing less than three pounds. When connected to each other and exposed to sunlight, the panels are designed to produce up to 2,800 watts of electrical power.

The system will be put to use at the Strong Angel Civil-Military Operations Center where it will supply electricity for computers, telephones, radios and floodlights.

Operation Strong Angel is a sub-exercise of RIMPAC 2000, the largest maritime exercise in the Pacific, taking place May 30-July 6. In addition to U.S. and foreign military forces, other organizations participating in the exercise include The American Red Cross, The United Nations' High Commission for Refugees, World Food Program, Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children.

Activities will range from coordinating the air and naval forces of friendly nations to establishing procedures for the accommodation of refugees in the event of a disaster.

Matt Foster, vice president of business development for Global Solar, said the contract reflects the success of projects conducted by the company for the U.S. Armed Forces for more than two years.

"Global Solar's thin-film technology and photovoltaic systems are proving themselves in a wide variety of demanding applications," Foster said. "In the near future, these products will be utilized not only by other branches of the military, but also in commercial and residential applications and vitally important aerospace projects."

Global Solar is 67 percent owned by UniSource Energy Corp. (NYSE:UNS) and 33 percent by ITN Energy Systems of Wheat Ridge, Colo.