SunPower's High Efficiency Solar Panels Power Winning Teams at the Solar Decathlon Europe

MADRID, June 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) announced today that the team of students representing the University of Rosenheim, Germany at the 2010 Solar Decathlon Europe has placed second, using high-performance SunPower solar panels to power the home they built for the competition. The school also took top honors in the Energy Balance competition.  SunPower solar panels were used by first place teams in the last three Solar Decathlon competitions held in the U.S.

The Solar Decathlon Europe, organized by the Spanish Ministry of Housing, is modeled after the Solar Decathlon that is held by the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. every two years. From June 18 to June 27, this year's Decathlon hosted 17 teams from three continents, challenging students to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. Six participating teams used SunPower panels, the most efficient solar panels available on the market today.

Several of the teams using SunPower panels placed first in the individual categories that comprise the competition. For example, the University of Paris Arts et Metiers led the field in the Sustainability competition with the all-black, 96-cell, SunPower 315 Solar Panel. Spain's University of CEU Cardenal Herrera, using the SunPower 225 Solar Panel, won first prize in the category of Industrialization and Viability. The University of Florida, using the SunPower 230 Solar Panel, took top honors in the Communication and Social Awareness competition, and was also awarded Public and Web Favorite.

"We congratulate the University of Rosenheim for a strong finish, and all of the teams for their hard work, innovative design and commitment to sustainability," said Luis Torres, general director of market development, EMEA at SunPower. "This first Solar Decathlon Europe was also the first in which all teams were connected to the grid, following the design of European markets and emphasizing self-consumption in homes.  We congratulate the Solar Decathlon organizational team and the Spanish Ministry of Housing for a very successful event."

About SunPower

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, 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.

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SOURCE SunPower Corp.