Eagle Solar Roof with SolarBlend(TM) from Suntech Wins 50+ SMART CHOICE Award

RIALTO and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 8 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, and Eagle Roofing Products are proud to announce the Eagle Solar Roof with SolarBlend(TM) from Suntech is a 50+ SMART CHOICE Award winner. The 50+ SMART CHOICE Award winners were decided by the 50+ Housing Council and the Sales and Marketing Council of Southern California. Winning products were chosen for being green, sustainable, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and innovative.

The Eagle Solar Roof with SolarBlend(TM) from Suntech is an innovative building integrated photovoltaic roofing solution. An efficient and economical power producing system, the Eagle Solar Roof creates clean, safe and quiet renewable energy. SolarBlend(TM) solar roofing tiles are produced by Suntech, the world's largest solar module manufacturer. These solar roofing tiles are available in three colors (gray, brown and terracotta) and install along with Eagle's concrete roof tile to create a roof that protects while creating energy for the home. With a 25 year power output warranty, Class A fire rated installation, up to 125 mph wind rating (with wind clip), 200 pounds per square foot snow load and resistance to 1'' hail stones these solar roofing tiles are durable as well as functional.

Monthly energy savings due to the Eagle Solar Roof can be significant and depends on electricity use, sun hours and the size and orientation of the solar system. For example, a northern California residence installed a 5.3 kW DC Eagle Solar Roof which produced enough energy to reduce the monthly electric bill by 85%.

Equally, a solar system increases home value. According to ''Why Is A Solar Electric Home Worth More?'' written by Andrew J. Black, ''A solar electric system increases home value by $20,000 for each $1,000 in annual reduced operating costs, according to the Appraisal Institute. ... That is to say, if a solar system can reduce the electric bill by $1,000 per year, the home is worth about $20,000 more in increased appraisable value.''

Outside of energy savings and increased home value, the Eagle Solar Roof with SolarBlend(TM) from Suntech is also an environmentally responsible choice. Each month, a two kilowatt solar roof can significantly and positively impact the environment in the following ways:

-- Prevent 300 lbs. of coal from being mined
-- Prevent 600 lbs. of CO2 from entering the atmosphere
-- Prevent 210 gallons of water from being consumed
-- Prevents NO and SO2 from being released into the environment

Source: Solar Energy International Organization

''Now more than ever, those 50 years and older need to make smart choices about conserving energy -- not only for their own financial benefit, but for the protection and benefit of their children and grandchildren,'' said Jay Banister Eagle's national solar and marketing manager. ''Eagle is proud to provide the innovative and sustainable Eagle Solar Roof with SolarBlend(TM) from Suntech to meet these needs.''

Leonard May, Suntech's managing director of BIPV products, said, ''The Eagle Solar Roof using Suntech's SolarBlend(TM) product is an excellent way to reduce the household carbon footprint and engender sustainable living. We look forward to continuing to work with Eagle to bring this and other innovative solar solutions to more households in the United States, Canada and Mexico.''

Eagle will present the award winning Eagle Solar Roof during the SMART CHOICE honoree breakfast on April 16 in Newport Beach.

For additional information on Eagle Roofing Products, the Eagle Solar Roof and the Eagle Green program, contact Melissa Pellerito, Eagle's marketing communications manager, at (909) 355-7000 or visit http://www.eagleroofing.com .