ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 25 /EMWNews/ -- EMCORE Corporation

(Nasdaq: EMKR) a leading provider of Semi-conductor-based components and

subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite and terrestrial solar

power markets, announced today that its world record Inverted Metamorphic

(IMM) solar cell technology has been chosen by R&D Magazine for an R&D 100

award. This prestigious award recognizes the IMM solar cell as one of the

most innovative technologies of 2008.



    This revolutionary solar cell technology provides a platform for

EMCORE's next generation photovoltaic products for space and terrestrial

solar power applications. Solar cells built using IMM technology recently

achieved world record conversion efficiency of 33% used in space, and it is

anticipated that efficiency levels in the 42%-45% range will be achieved

when adapted for use under the 500-1500X concentrated illumination, typical

in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Once

commercialized, the CPV systems that are powered with EMCORE's IMM based

products will see a reduction in the cost of power generated by

approximately 10% to 20%. EMCORE expects to commercialize this technology

for both space and terrestrial applications in 2009.



    Developed in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

(NREL) and the Vehicle Systems Directorate of the US Air Force Research

Laboratory (AFRL), the IMM design is comprised of a novel combination of

compound semiconductors that enables a superior response to the solar

spectrum as compared to conventional multi-junction architecture. Due to

its unique design, the IMM cell is approximately one fifteenth the

thickness of the conventional multi-junction solar cell and will enable a

new class of extremely lightweight, high-efficiency, and flexible solar

arrays for space applications. Furthermore, this technology can be readily

integrated into EMCORE's complete line of CPV receiver products and the

increased conversion efficiency will enable the most cost effective CPV

systems. EMCORE has developed a strong intellectual property position for

this innovative technology, with over 10 patents pending in the area of

solar cell design and manufacturing techniques.



    David Danzilio, Vice President and General Manager of EMCORE's

Photovoltaics Division stated, "We are pleased that the IMM solar cell

platform has been chosen as one of the top technical innovations of 2008.

In collaboration with NREL and AFRL, our industry leading scientists and

engineers continue to refine and optimize multi-junction solar cell

technology to reach higher and higher efficiency performance. This

continual investment in our fundamental solar cell technology and

production capabilities will support our customer's needs and enable the

next generation of space and terrestrial solar power systems in performance

and cost."

    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 .



    Safe Harbor



    Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, and the

assumptions underlying such statements, constitute "forward-looking

statements" and assumptions underlying "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 and involve a number of risks and

uncertainties, including (a) the failure of the products mentioned (i) to

perform as expected without material defects, (ii) to be manufactured at

acceptable volumes, yields, and cost, and (iii) to be successful under

field conditions, and (b) the ability by the Company's customers to achieve

their own business goals and objectives, and to complete the purchases

contemplated by the agreements. Readers should also review the risk factors

set forth in EMCORE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended

September 30, 2007. These forward-looking statements are made as of the

date hereof, and EMCORE does not assume any obligation to update these

statements.






    CONTACT:



    EMCORE Corporation

    Adam Gushard

    Interim Chief Financial Officer

    (505) 332-5000

    [email protected]



    TTC Group

    Vic Allgeier

    (646) 290-6400

    [email protected]