KYOCERA Brings the Power of the Sun to SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center by Supplying Locally Produced Solar Modules

Kyocera Solar, Inc. announced today that it has joined local energy leaders as a Technology Sponsor of the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E®) Energy Innovation Center, which was recently dedicated in a ceremony with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. The Center is designed to be a LEED Platinum building that will be open to the public and is the embodiment of SDG&E’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy design for homes and businesses.

Drawing inspiration from nature, the parking lot at the Center is planted with six Solar Tree® arrays — unique structures that model the life processes of real trees by converting sunlight into clean electricity, helping to offset carbon emissions, providing shade to 48 parking spaces, and providing locally generated renewable energy to the electric grid. Designed by Envision Solar International (OTCBB: EVSI), the Solar Tree® arrays are comprised of 312 Kyocera KD240 solar panels for a total of 75kW and employ Envision Solar’s proprietary EnvisionTrak™ technology, a hybrid multi-axis tracking system that enables the panels to track the movement of the sun and monitors system performance for optimal efficiency — generating up to 20% greater output than a stationary array. Further enhancing the output of the system is the “zero negative tolerance” of Kyocera’s KD240 modules, which are guaranteed to produce a minimum of 240 watts upon delivery. With the adaptability to be outfitted with integrated electric vehicle charging stations, the Solar Tree® arrays exemplify how businesses can improve the real estate value of their properties.

Architect Robert Noble designed the world’s first Solar Grove® for Kyocera’s North American headquarters in San Diego in 2005. “Designing the Solar Grove® for Kyocera was a life-changing experience and proved to be the genesis of Envision Solar, a company I founded shortly after the success of the project,” stated Noble, chairman of Envision Solar. “Continued innovations of this nature will benefit society by bringing sustainable solar energy solutions to the world.”

Recognizing the need and to meet the increasing demand for U.S.-made products, Kyocera began manufacturing solar panels in June 2010 at its San Diego facility, located just a few miles from the Energy Innovation Center. With 37 years of experience in the solar industry, Kyocera continues to set standards for quality and longevity as demonstrated by repeatedly breaking records for cell efficiencies and its distinction of producing the world’s first modules to have passed the Long-Term Sequential Test performed by TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd.

“Kyocera strives to remain at the forefront of environmental preservation by providing sustainable, innovative energy solutions for homes and businesses,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “Creative partnership opportunities like the Energy Innovation Center allow us to work with industry leaders and contribute to public awareness and understanding of how to integrate solar energy for high-quality, long-term energy results.”

This project brought together numerous San Diego-based partners and American-made products to create a dynamic solar system and illustrate the impact of renewable energy. The Center utilizes locally made Kyocera modules and the products and services of many other San Diego area companies.

The Energy Innovation Center is a showcase facility where customers can learn about energy efficiency, alternative fuel transportation, Smart Grid, and clean generation. The Energy Innovation Center will offer an array of seminars and demonstrations to help customers find the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions.

About KYOCERA

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, printers, copiers, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the company’s net sales totaled 1.27 trillion yen (approx. USD15.3 billion). The company is ranked #604 on Forbes magazine’s 2011 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

About Envision Solar International, Inc.

Envision Solar, www.envisionsolar.com is a leading sustainable infrastructure product designer and integrator deploying clean energy systems globally. The solar design firm provides strategic long-term solutions and includes comprehensive sustainability planning and design optimization for its solar array structures. Founded by leading sustainable design architect Robert Noble, the company is a leader in the invention and construction of solar structures that address unused millions of acres of parking spaces. Its innovative systems include products for commercial and institutional projects, such as EnvisionTrak™, CleanCharge™, Solar Tree®, Solar Grove®, Solar Row™, LifePort®, LifePod™, LifeVillage™ solar systems and others. Envision Solar is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol [OTCBB: EVSI]. For more information on the company, contact 1-866-746-0514.