Johnson Controls Announces Global Alliance With Concentrix Solar, Division of Soitec

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in delivering products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings, today announced a global alliance with German-based Concentrix Solar GmbH, a subsidiary of the Soitec Group (Euronext Paris). Concentrix Solar is a leading supplier of concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems.

Through the alliance, Johnson Controls enhances its ability to provide comprehensive solutions to the mid scale distributed and utility scale solar marketplaces. Soitec's technical capabilities in engineered substrate solutions and Concentrix Solar's module design combined with Johnson Controls' global execution and operational capabilities will provide the market with a state-of-the-art and cost effective CPV solution.

"Partnering with Concentrix allows us to further differentiate our core services and breadth of offerings in a rapidly expanding renewable energy marketplace," said Iain Campbell, vice president and general manager, Global Energy Services, Johnson Controls. "Our proven track record in providing performance assured engineering, construction and maintenance of energy consuming, energy transforming and energy producing systems throughout their life cycle positions us as a leader in the industry."

The partnership enables Johnson Controls and Concentrix Solar to better identify and respond to global commercial opportunities for the development, financing and construction of utility scale solar installations. Under this partnership Johnson Controls will build, operate, maintain and provide lifecycle support of solar installations using Concentrix CPV technology.

"We are delighted to team up with Johnson Controls, who shares our vision for sustainable and economically viable, solar renewable energy," said Andre-Jacques Auberton-Herve, chairman and CEO, Soitec. "Together, we understand the market opportunity and positive environmental impact that solar renewable energy power will bring to both existing and future facilities, and are excited to provide integrated solutions to our customers."

This formal alliance follows a Concentrix announcement in July 2010 of the launch of a U.S.-based subsidiary to support the increase demand for solar photovoltaic solutions throughout North America.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader, serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Building Efficiency

Johnson Controls Building Efficiency is a leading provider of equipment, controls and services for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and security systems for buildings. Operating from 500 branch offices in 150 countries, we deliver products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs for over one million customers. We are involved in more than 500 renewable energy projects including solar, wind and geothermal technologies. Our solutions have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 13.6 million metric tons and generated savings of $7.5 billion since 2000. Many of the world's largest companies rely on us to manage 1.5 billion square feet of their commercial real estate.

About Concentrix Solar

Concentrix Solar GmbH is a leading supplier of concentrator photovoltaic equipment and turnkey power plants for sunny locations. The company was founded in February 2005 as a spin-off from the world-renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. In December 2009, Concentrix Solar became a division of the Soitec Group. Their CPV technology provides leading edge efficiencies that greatly impact and reduce the cost of solar power production. For more information, visit: www.soitec.com and www.concentrix-solar.de.

SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.