OPEL Inc. Brightens Connecticut's Clean Energy Future

SHELTON, CONNECTICUT--(Marketwire - March 20, 2009) - OPEL Inc. ("OPEL"), a leading global developer and supplier of high concentration photovoltaic ("HCPV") and other solar products, including both roof and ground-based tracker systems, today announced that its rooftop solar power installation - the first combined rooftop solar panel and tracker system in the state of Connecticut - has gone live at the Linden Street School in Plainville, CT. The 131-Kilowatt (kW) solar installation was formally launched at a special onsite unveiling in partnership with the Town of Plainville and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund ("CCEF"), who contributed funding for the project. OPEL Inc. is the US solar subsidiary of OPEL International Inc. in Toronto (TSX VENTURE:OPL).

Under the terms of an agreement between OPEL and the Town of Plainville, which was signed in June 2008, OPEL will own and operate the installation and sell clean electricity to the Town of Plainville at rates below those currently being paid. No capital costs were incurred by the Town and an annual savings of at least US$7,000 in electricity costs is projected. The solar power system will supply clean energy for up to 20 percent of the 130,000 square-foot elementary school's total electrical bill, eliminating 79 tons of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 10.5 acres of trees.

"We are proud to be a part of this exciting solar power initiative at the Linden Street School," said Robert Pico, CEO of OPEL International, "OPEL's rooftop solar tracker system will generate up to 30 percent more kilowatt-hours than conventional fixed flat plate silicon solar panels, which will result in more cost effective, environmentally sound power for the school."

In commenting on OPEL's installation, Robert Lee, Plainville Town Manager said, "The Linden Street School solar power program reinforces Plainville's position as a leader in clean energy initiatives with the help of valuable funding from CCEF. In addition to reducing electricity costs, we will also be contributing to a cleaner environment making this a winning collaboration for Plainville with OPEL and CCEF."

CCEF President, Lise Dondy, has this to say regarding the Plainville installation, "This innovative solar power project with OPEL at the Linden Street School highlights CCEF's focus on providing support for clean energy initiatives at Connecticut educational institutions, which now total 32 installations statewide. We hope to continue developing and implementing these valuable renewable energy programs throughout the state for many years to come."

Plainville Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kathleen Binkowski added, "This innovative solar power initiative not only promotes a cleaner environment, but also offers a unique educational opportunity for our students at the Linden Street School to see solar energy in action firsthand."

The Plainville solar power installation features OPEL's innovative Sequoia solar tracker system (patent pending), which includes 210 trackers and 770, 170-watt solar panels. The Sequoia design, which was inspired by the root system of the Sequoia Trees, is a non-penetrating roof design that allows for simple installation and easy disassembly for any necessary maintenance.