AUO PV Modules Approved by the California Energy Commission for Expansion into the U.S. Market

HSINCHU, Taiwan, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced that its multi-crystalline solar modules EcoDuo PM220P00, EcoDuo PM240P00, and mono-crystalline solar module GreenTriplex PM250M00 have been added to the California Energy Commission's (CEC) List of Solar Eligible Equipment to officially enter into the U.S market. AUO will provide high quality and reliable solar modules to residential users, solar system integrators, and local distributors to meet customers' diverse needs.

According to "Guidelines for California's Solar Electric Incentive Programs", residential and business consumers will enjoy financial rebates if they purchase and install solar systems from CEC's Eligible Solar Electric Equipment List. These solar equipments must pass the rigorous testing of UL 1703 to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation for maximum power determination, measurement of temperature coefficients, etc. AUO's EcoDuo PM220P00, EcoDuo PM240P00, and GreenTriplex PM250M00 PV modules have all met the above standards and have been added to the CEC's Eligible Solar Electric Equipment List for local consumers' reference. AUO modules also can be sold in other U.S. states that have adopted the CEC standards, such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin states.

AUO's EcoDuo PM220P00 is the world's first PV module to have passed PAS2050 carbon footprint verification by SGS, signifying a critical milestone for the PV industry.  AUO's EcoDuo PM 240P00 PV module has passed salt mist corrosion tests by IEC and CNS, meaning it may maintain power efficiently in both coastal and humid regions. The above two PV modules can be adopted in residential, commercial and utility. AUO's premium GreenTriplex PM250M00 PV module has an aesthetically pleasing all black appearance, three busbar cell design, and self-cleaning function. The addition of photocatalyst on the surface helps break down contaminants when exposed to sunlight to enhance power generation and reliability. This PV module is very suitable for residential users. All AUO products will be offered with long-term performance warranties.    

Due to the renewable energy policy of U.S. Federal Government, the American solar industry hit record growth in 2010, making the country a promising solar market. AUO is also optimistic about this market potential.  Aside from participation in open-field PV system and rooftop solar system projects in Germany, Italy, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, AUO will copy these successful experiences, integrate its solar modules, solar systems and PV projects, and cooperate closely with local agents to provide high quality solar total solutions in the North American regions.

ABOUT AU OPTRONICS

AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is a global leader of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers with a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to greater than 71 inches. AUO generated NT$467.2 billion (US$16 billion) in sales revenue* in 2010 and now houses a staff of more than 42,000 employees, with global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to be successfully listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO extended its market to the green energy industry in late 2008. The Display and Solar businesses were established respectively as the Company's two core businesses in October, 2010. For more information, please visit AUO.com.

* 2010 year end revenue converted at an exchange rate of NTD29.14:USD1.

Safe Harbour Notice

AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11th, 2010.

SOURCE AU Optronics Corporation