Suntech Introduces New High-Efficiency 250W BlackPearl™ Module

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest producer of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, announced that it will introduce the STP250S-20/Wd+ BlackPearl™, a new generation high-efficiency module, at Intersolar, Munich in June 2011. Powered by a new generation of crystalline silicon cells, the BlackPearl™ modules achieve up to 15.2% conversion efficiency -- well above the 13% to 14% efficiency of conventional polycrystalline solar modules.

The BlackPearl™ 250W product is a 60 cell module comprised of 6-inch black square cells that delivers one of the highest power per weight ratios in the industry. The module features a +0 to +5% positive power tolerance and exceptionally low oxygen content leading to strong resistance to light-induced degradation. In addition, the modules are built to withstand all weather conditions including 3.800 N/m² (~270 km/h) wind load and 5.400 N/m² (~55 kg/m²) snow loads, well above IEC standard requirements. The product is ideally suited to rooftop installations where weight, power, and aesthetics are key customer considerations.

"The new BlackPearl™ module delivers 10% more power than conventional polycrystalline products leading to lower balance-of-system and installation costs per watt," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO.

Utilizing different technology than Pluto products, the BlackPearl™ module is comprised of 6-inch square cells that contain minimal oxygen content and achieve 18% conversion efficiency at cell level. Suntech's in-house R&D and wafer production team developed the technology based on a wafer manufacturing process that combines the high efficiency of monocrystalline wafers with the reliability of polycrystalline wafers. All Suntech BlackPearl™ modules also feature an anti-reflective surface trapping the sunlight into the cells combined with a hydrophobic self-cleaning surface structure.

Suntech will start shipping the new products to Europe starting in June 2011. Suntech will display the STP250S-20/Wd+ BlackPearl™ modules and other latest products at booth A2 #380, at the Intersolar Exhibition, New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Germany from 8-11 June, 2011.

About Suntech

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 15,000,000 photovoltaic panels to thousands of customers in more than eighty countries. Suntech's pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech's mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature's cleanest and most abundant energy source.

For more information about our people and products visit: http://www.suntech-power.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements, and includes the ability of the module to neutralize the impact of LID, deliver greater than nameplate wattage, and deliver excellent performance under low light conditions. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Suntech's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.