Press Release:  merck installs solar Energy System at new Jersey facility

Somerville, NJ (June 5, 2006) -  A group of federal, state and local officials gathered today at Merck's facility in Rahway/ Linden to help dedicate the company's first large-scale solar energy system, and one of New Jersey's largest roof-mounted solar installations.  The 500-kilowatt system includes more than 1,500 solar panels that cover the roofs of two buildings on the Rahway/ Linden campus, one to of which already houses a hydrogen fuel cell.  The project is the first of its kind to integrate fuel cell and solar power at a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey.

"Responsible use of energy and protection of the environment are priorities for Merck," said Jeanne Stahl, Vice President of Global Safety and the Environment.  "We are pleased to partner with the New Jersey Clean Energy Program to demonstrate the performance of solar panels at our Rahway/ Linden facility, and we will continue to look for additional ways to improve our energy performance and to achieve the associated environmental advantages."

"What Merck is doing here is a shining example of what every company should be doing because American must achieve energy independence that will improve our economy, protect our environment, and strengthen our national security," said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, who participated in the dedication ceremony.

"Merck's latest venture into clean energy at the Company's Rahway/ Linden facility demonstrates the relevance and value of New Jersey's Clean Energy Program.  By integrating solar and fuel cell generation systems - both made possible by state incentives - Merck has proven that clean energy technologies can be part of an effective, long-term strategy for companies looking to bring their energy spending under control.  We are pleased to partner with Merck on this exiting and groundbreaking project," said Jeanne Fox, president, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson said:  "Merck's solar powered facility represents a major step on a journey all of us in New Jersey must take to heed Governor Corzine's call to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and promote alternative sources of energy.  It is a move we must make to ensure a healthy environment and a healthy economy for our state."

The solar installation is the result of an analysis of clean energy system that was conducted by the project team.  The study found that over the expected 30-year life of the solar equipment, the emission of 3,430 tons of carbon dioxide - the equivalent of 7,250 barrels of oil - will be avoided by taking advantage of power from the sun.  "we are pleased that the Rahway. Linden facility is continuing to take the lead in implementing clean energy technologies," said Larry Naldi, Senior Vice President, Science and Technology, Merck Manufacturing Division.  "It goes hand in hand with many other ongoing energy conservation and efficiency improvements at the site, all of which are critical in this environment of rising energy costs."

One of the buildings on which the solar panels were installed is already powered by a 200 kilowatt fuel cell, which produces clean energy using hydrogen from natural gas.  With the addition of the solar electric panels on this building, Merck has created a unique clean energy building prototype for New Jersey corporations.  The building is nearly self-sufficient in producing the electricity it needs, with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions.

The photovoltaic panel installation, designed and managed by Edison-based Dome-Tech Solar, incorporates new solar technology using highly efficient solar panels and specialized roof-mounted technology that supersedes other roof-top solar solutions.  "This innovative project provides a shining example of where New Jersey corporations need to be in the area of alternative energy," said Tom Kuster, president, Dome-Tech Solar.  "By making the commitment to install one of New Jersey's largest roof-mounted solar installations, Merck is once again demonstrating its commitment to environmental leadership and being a responsible corporate steward of energy resources."

The installation of Merck's first large-scale solar energy system on the Rahway/ Linden campus is an important step for the facility, which has served as a key research and manufacturing site for Merck over 100 years.  The buildings that will be fueled by the solar energy system include training, laboratory, information systems and other research and manufacturing support offices.  Approximately 4,000 employees are located at the 210-acre complex.

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first.  Established in 1891, Merck currently discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs.  The company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that no only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them.  Merck also published unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service.  For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Dome-Tech Solar is a premier provider of solar energy systems serving commercial, institutional and industrial businesses, and is the largest North American integrator of SCHOTT Solar panels and mounting hardware.  Founded in 2004, Dome-Tech Solar specializes in analysis, design, engineering, development, financing and implementation of solar photovoltaic systems.

About the Dome-Tech Group
Founded in 1989, the Dome-Tech Group is a leading provider of energy efficiency and clean energy project development and consulting.  With offices in both New Jersey and New York, the company was named New Jersey's First Clean Energy Market Innovator by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Clean Energy Office.  The company's five Centers of Excellence specialize in optimizing building systems and implementing energy efficient and renewable energy.  Dome-Tech services a wide range of clients in the pharmaceutical, K-12, institutional, higher education, healthcare and commercial markets.  For more information, visit www.dome-tech.com.