Dr. Robert Oswald, who headed up research efforts at BP Solar and Solarex over the past two decades, has joined HelioVolt as VP of Engineering.The thin-film photovoltaic industry expert will oversee HelioVolt's CIGS process scale up and product development.

AUSTIN, Texas - December 20, 2005 - Through 25 years of experience in the solar energy industry, Dr. Robert Oswald has established a reputation as an eminent expert in applied thin-film photovoltaic manufacturing. With a career that includes key leadership roles at industry giants including BP Solar and BP International, AMOCO-Enron Solar, and Solarex Corporation, Oswald has developed expertise in manufacturing techniques and proficiency in bringing materials-based prototypes to market. Today Oswald takes on a new leadership role as Vice President of Engineering of HelioVolt Corporation, a solar energy technology company, and will direct the company's manufacturing process scale-up and product development.

"I've watched this industry evolve from the first real commercial modules of the 1970s. Today we are looking at material breakthroughs, process efficiencies, new applications in buildings with solar skin; these are exciting times. HelioVolt offers me the opportunity to play an integral role in that next generation of solar technology," said Oswald. "My key role will be to guide the development of HelioVolt's thin-film PV from proven prototype to a commercial product incorporated into the buildings around us."

Over the course of his extensive career in photovoltaics, Oswald has lead research and development of new materials and spearheaded process improvements for thin film photovoltaic module manufacture, and holds 3 patents in the area. His professional experience earned him three individual awards, including the R&D 100 award and BP Helios commendation in 2002, Business Week Innovation Award in 2001, and the Nipper Award in 1982. Prior to joining HelioVolt, Oswald was the director of new processes and equipment at BP Solar and director of new deposition technology at BP International. At AMOCO-Enron Solar, he served as director of manufacturing engineering after 10 years of managing and developing processes at Solarex, RCA Corporation and BOC research lab.

"Dr. Oswald joins HelioVolt with a wealth of experience in the real-world challenges and optimization techniques of photovoltaic manufacturing," said BJ Stanbery, CEO of HelioVolt. "He will help build the team to carry through our development goals, following through on the momentum that's enabled us to build our intellectual property portfolio, get our first round of venture funding, and establish our headquarters and fabrication facility."

At HelioVolt, Oswald will leverage the company's proprietary thin-film PV technology to develop a new breed of electronically enabled construction materials or building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). HelioVolt's FASST' process rapidly applies photovoltaic CIGS coatings to traditional construction materials, such as metal and polymer roofing, skylights, and architectural glass. HelioVolt is partnering with building materials manufacturers to bring these products to market.