SunPower and Giulio Barbieri Partner to Deliver Solar Carports to the Italian Residential Market

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Giulio Barbieri S.p.A., to design and manufacture the new SunPower® Carport (solar carport), for the Italian residential market. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Giulio Barbieri will deliver carports depending on customer specifications.  SunPower's local partners will then install the complete system, including the aluminum structure, solar panels and inverters.  The all-in-one solar carport system is built for durability and reliability, and is simple to install.

"SunPower is currently designing and installing commercial solar carport systems at schools and businesses across North America, and we are now pleased to offer a new solution that is being adopted more and more by Italian homeowners," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions.  "Partnering with Giulio Barbieri will enable SunPower to offer the same high efficiency, high reliability solar panels to homeowners wanting to power their homes with solar, but have constrained rooftops."

The SunPower Carport is available in four versions and can be installed in a number of configurations to accommodate either two or three cars.  The flexible design incorporates 18, 24 or 32 of SunPower's 96-cell, high-efficiency solar panels, delivering approximately 5.9 kilowatts to 10.5 kilowatts, depending on the system size.  The system is tilted for maximum energy output and the attractive modular look blends in with any architectural context.

"SunPower chose our structures for the elegance of design and ease of installation, as our carports have concrete bases and do not require any groundwork," said Giulio Barbieri, president of Giulio Barbieri S.p.A.  "Our solid reputation in the market for quality and reliable carport structures, coupled with SunPower's high efficiency solar panels, provide customers an artistic and effective solution, capable of enhancing, in an attractive manner, external parking lots especially in residential complexes."

The SunPower Carport is available now in the Italian market.  Interested customers can call 00800-786-76937 to schedule an appointment with an authorized SunPower partner.

About SunPower Corp.
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system.  Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.  For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

About Giulio Barbieri
Giulio Barbieri has been a leading Italian manufacturer of aluminum modular coverings for both residential and public application for over twenty years.  In the wake of the environmental policies that have been developed over the past several years, to incentivize renewable energies, Giulio Barbieri S.p.A has designed in cooperation with SunPower  an innovative solar carport. Giulio Barbieri is a company with a worldwide reputation and experience in the design and manufacturing of very high quality, stylish and long lasting metallic constructions suitable to any covering needs, even in customized execution. Headquartered in Poggio Renatico (FERRARA) Italy, Giulio Barbieri exports its products all over the world.  For more information, visit www.giuliobarbieri.it.

SOURCE SunPower Corp.