Ascent Solar's Quality Management System Achieves ISO 9001

2015 Certification

THORNTON, CO--(Marketwired - Feb 23, 2017) -  Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: ASTI), a developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art, lightweight, and flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions, announces that effective February 16, 2017, the Company is certified by Platinum Registration, Inc. as a company that has developed, implemented and maintains a Quality Management System (QMS) that conforms to the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 international standard. The scope of this certification includes design, development and manufacturing of solar power systems, consumer electronic products and accessories, solar and non-solar based.

"We are thrilled that we have met our goal for achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification of our QMS," stated Mr. Victor Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. "Ascent Solar has always maintained a high level of QMS to begin with. However, as we go through the stringent certification process, we have further enhanced our system and processes, resulting in even greater synergy across all departments and different aspects of the Company."

Mr. Lee continued, "As we focus on the highly specialized military and aerospace markets, we have had several inquiries regarding the status of our QMS, and we are now proud to notify our potential customers that our management system has achieved the ISO 9001:2015 certification. We believe that achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification will enable Ascent to confidently address these markets, and opens up more addressable markets going forward."

Dr. Amit Kumar, Chairman of the Board of Ascent Solar, added, "We are pleased to be the first and only flexible CIGS manufacturer who has achieved ISO 9001:2015, enabling us to serve a large universe of customers who prefer products manufactured under a superlative Quality Management System. Many of our premium products serve the military and space markets, and must be as robust and fail proof as possible. Our QMS provides such customers with the assurance that our products are manufactured with the quality necessary for their applications."

ABOUT ASCENT SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.:

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that are more versatile and rugged than traditional solar panels. Ascent Solar modules were named as one of the top 100 technologies in both 2010 and 2015 by R&D Magazine, and one of TIME Magazine's 50 best inventions for 2011. The technology described above represents the cutting edge of flexible power and can be directly integrated into consumer products and off-grid applications, as well as other aerospace applications. Ascent Solar is headquartered in Thornton, Colorado, where the company's quality management system has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification. More information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com and www.enerplex.com.