SunPower High Efficiency Solar Panels Selected by Seven Teams Competing in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA and SPWRB), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that seven of the 20 universities participating in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon (the Solar Decathlon) have designed their solar homes using SunPower's high performance solar panels to power their homes in this competition. SunPower solar panels are the most popular choice among the competing schools because they offer the highest efficiency rating of any solar panels available on the market today.

The seven teams powering their homes with SunPower's high-performance solar panels represent universities from Spain to California. They are:

    --  Team California, using the SunPower 225 Solar Panels
    --  Team Spain (Madrid), using the SunPower 220 Solar Panels
    --  Team Germany (Darmstadt), using the SunPower 300 Solar Panels
    --  Team Boston, using the SunPower 230 Solar Panels
    --  Univ. of Puerto Rico, using the SunPower 305 Solar Panels
    --  Univ. of Kentucky, using the SunPower 305 Solar Panels

    --  Univ. of Illinois, using the SunPower 225 Solar Panels

"SunPower is thrilled to once again support the talent and passion of the student decathletes as they bring their market-ready solar-energy homes to Washington, D.C.'s National Mall," said Julie Blunden, vice president of public policy and corporate communications for SunPower. "The winners of both the 2007 and 2005 Solar Decathlon used SunPower solar panels, which offer the maximum power from a limited roof space, a key design requirement for the decathletes as well as residences and businesses everywhere. Secretary Chu opened the Solar Decathlon today within sight of the D.O.E. headquarters which also boasts a SunPower solar system. D.O.E's leadership in solar research and development, as well as market transformation funding has been crucial to advance solar to the position it has today as a commercial technology being deployed from rooftops to power plants."

The Solar Decathlon, being held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. through October 16, will challenge each of the 20 teams in 10 contests to design, build and operate the most attractive, energy-efficient, solar-powered homes and will feature all the energy needs of a typical household. The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002, and competitions now take place every other year.

About SunPower

Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE SunPower Corp.

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