Quantum's High Efficiency Solar Panels Achieve UL Certification for US and Canada

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that it has achieved the industry standard UL (US) and C-UL (Canada) certifications for its 230 Watt series of crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic modules. Quantum's solar modules have also been successfully tested under the California Energy Commission (CEC) guidelines and subsequently listed as "eligible photovoltaic modules" under the California Solar Initiative program for state rebates.

Quantum's German affiliate Asola currently manufactures solar modules that incorporate advanced crystalline silicon technologies per European standards. The Asola solar modules are labeled with the CE mark, certifying that the products meet the requirements of European IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards. Together with Quantum's certifications to UL 1703 (US) and ULC ORD C1703 (Canada), the Quantum-Asola product-line certifications provide safety as well as performance conformity around the globe.

Quantum's solar modules are designed for reliable energy generation over a period exceeding 25 years:

• Maximum Power Output: high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and low-iron, tempered and lightly textured glass that allows high transmission and ensures high power output
• Maximum Reliability: precision cell placement and edge distances guarantee reliable, high energy yields; robust junction box with three by-pass diodes adds to reliability and performance
• Durability: solar cells are encapsulated within a high-quality UV-stable ethylene vinyl acetate foil for durability; corrosion-proof and torsion-resistant aluminum alloy frame is constructed to be rigid, and without screws or corner connections
• High Quality: each module tested for quality and performance, and verified for dielectric voltage resistance, ground continuity and power output

"Quantum has a strong background in testing, validation and implementing process control systems to ensure highest quality products," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum. "The UL certification is an important milestone that opens the North American market for us. We are excited to be qualified by the California Energy Commission for rebates, just as demand has accelerated for high quality solar modules."

Quantum's solar modules are slated for mass production in a state of the art facility planned for Irvine, California, with an expected annual capacity of 45 MW. Quantum announced on January 19, 2010 that it has entered into a professional services agreement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) as a qualified supplier eligible to bid for competitive procurement of up to 200 MW of solar power projects, as part of the mandated Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program, with a budget of $455 million over three years.

About Quantum:

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel vehicle technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, natural gas, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners. More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at www.qtww.com.

About Asola:

Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH produces and markets high-quality silicon-based photovoltaic modules that comprise mono-crystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells. Asola's technologies include high output and high efficiency flat modules for residential and industrial applications, and specialized spherical modules for automotive applications. Asola is presently developing, for mass production for the plug-in-hybrid solar electric car, "Fisker Karma", the most spherically-bent solar car roof in the world. More information can be found in www.asola-power.com. With additional expansions in Italy, South Korea, Morocco and France, the Asola-Quantum group is expected to soon become a most geographically diverse module manufacturer in the world.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements included in this report, other than those that are historical, are forward-looking statements and can generally be identified by words such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "assume," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "predict," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms, and other comparable terminology. Statements in this release regarding Quantum's expected annual solar module manufacturing capacity and when and if Quantum will be successful in gaining contracts with LADWP or if Quantum's modules will be used in such programs constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Various risks and other factors could cause actual results, and actual events that occur, to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

For more information regarding Quantum, please contact:

©2010 Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.

17872 Cartwright Road, Irvine, CA 92614

Phone 949-399-4500 Fax 949-399-4600

SOURCE Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.