Spire Selected to Provide Advanced Solar Simulator to TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC

TUV Rheinland, a new private venture, significantly upgrades the technology and know-how of the former Arizona State University Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (ASU-PTL) and moves to a strategic location in Tempe, Arizona, USA close to both ASU and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. With a new facility and additional human resources, the laboratory more than doubles its previous capacity and now provides a unique one-stop source for clients to get full testing and certification for all safety and performance standards in use by the industry anywhere in the world.

The recently opened 40,000 square foot facility is staffed with the world's most technically competent and capable solar testing team and is equipped with state-of-the-art solar simulators and temperature-humidity environments. Clients can take advantage of full system testing for all photovoltaic system components, including inverters, grid-tied electronics, controllers, motion and tracking devices, and wireless control electronics. In addition, clients can get technical direction and testing on standards for newly emerging technologies such as concentrating photovoltaic, concentrating solar power, and building-integrated photovoltaic.

This venture is the product of a farsighted collaboration between TUV Rheinland and ASU. The former ASU-PTL, established in 1992, was the first accredited photovoltaic qualification testing laboratory in the United States and one of only a few in the world. Many in the solar testing industry today have roots that connect them to ASU-PTL. In addition, the facility was opened to add to the extensive global photovoltaic testing network not just in the United States.

"Spire simulators are recognized worldwide as state-of-the art, with the highest performance and accuracy," said Stephen Hogan, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Spire Solar of Spire Corporation. "By using Spire systems, our clients will feel more comfortable with the accuracy of their measurements during the certification procedures. We will provide TUV Rheinland with the level of experience and guaranteed satisfaction that we have provided our customers worldwide."

Mani G. Tamith-Mani, Ph.D., President of TUV Rheinland PTL, said, "We are pleased to have added the advanced solar simulator from Spire Corporation. The simulator is central to our process and will allow us to measure modules in a controlled environment so that we can meet our desired testing turnaround times. Spire's technology and sun simulators are recognized worldwide, so that our clients will feel comfortable with the accuracy of our measurements during the certification procedures we perform for them.

About TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC

TUV Rheinland(R) delivers premier independent testing, assessment, and certification services to help companies gain access into global markets. Boasting an international network across six continents, the corporation's in-country experts ease the path to compliance with cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times. The $1.5 billion corporation is comprised of an international network of more than 12,500 employees in 62 countries and serves most industry sectors and markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.us.tuv.com.

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a global solar company providing turnkey production lines and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic modules worldwide. Spire Semiconductor provides processing technology for Spire's silicon solar cell manufacturing lines and produces and sells custom gallium arsenide cells for solar concentrator systems. For corporate or product information, contact Spire Corporation, "The Turnkey Solar Factory Company," at 781-275-6000, or visit www.spirecorp.com.

Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company's Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation Stephen J. Hogan, 781-275-6000 EVP & GM, Spire Solar or TUV Rheinland of North America Virginia Palmer-Skok, 203-426-0888 Marketing Manager vpalmerskok@us.tuv.com