Business does GOOD! Energy Conversion Devices, Inc, (ECD- the makers of Sovonics panels and Ovonics NiH batteries) announced in mid-April a joint venture with a U.S.S.R. energy organization to manufacture ECD's PV solar products and sell them world wide (except for Japan and India). These folks aren't starting out cold: ECD has been rapidly spreading from its home in Troy MI to other parts of the globe. They have licensed technology to Japan and have recently set up a joint venture in India for PV manufacture and sales. In the United States manufacture of ECD's photovoltaics will soon begin by a US corporation combining the manufacturing expertise and resources of Canon, Inc. of Japan with the technology developed by ECD. The Soviet-American joint venture will begin with Soviet purchase of a fully integrated "triple cell" deposition and module assembly plant for $8.5 million (US). This plant should produce 2 Megawatts a year. Pending success, the second phase of the joint venture is a large volume fully automated plant to be constructed in the U.S.S.R. ECD has already received over $2 million from the Soviet Union and further payments will be made as the U.S.S.R. receives ECD manufactured equipment. ECD has licensed its Soviet partner the technology to exclusively manufacture and sell in the U.S.S.R. Manufacture will become nonexclusive if the second phase of the joint venture does not occur. ECD's photovoltaic and battery products are environmentally safe and they address problems like atmospheric pollution, ozone layer depletion, hazardous waste and the greenhouse effect. Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. 1675 West Maple Road Troy, MI 48084 313-280-1900 Things are hopping in the world of PV manufacture. Power to the people everywhere! Business does GOOD! is a new column for Home Power. We steadfastly refuse to publish inside industry info like Joe Blow is promoted to Vice-President of Whatever (usually accompanied by 8X10 glossy photos only a mother could loveÉ). But there are companies out there that deserve a pat on the back for the good work they are doing to make renewable energy more useful and less expensive. Business does GOOD! is our place for honoring renewable energy companies that are working for us all, not just next quarter's profits. CG & RP