Showing posts with label SPWR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPWR. Show all posts

Thursday, May 29, 2008

SunPower Completes Two Solar Power Plants In Spain

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced the completion of two solar-electric power plants in Spain, totaling 8.7 megawatts. The two plants, located in Llerena and Lebrija, were developed by Solarpack, a Spanish company specializing in renewable energy development, investment, consulting and services. Solarpack hosted ceremonies dedicating the two power plants this week.

The solar power plant constructed by SunPower in Llerena is 4.8 megawatts; the plant in Lebrija is 3.9 megawatts. In Spain, SunPower has completed or has signed contracts to deliver solar power plants totaling more than 100 megawatts.

"SunPower's innovative sun tracking technology and solar power plant experience was key to meeting our cost, schedule and energy delivery goals at these sites," said Jose Galindez, chairman of Solarpack. "This region of Spain has great potential for the renewable energy sector, and we are proud to be generating clean, emission-free solar power for these communities."

For these projects, SunPower used its proprietary SunPower(R) Tracker technology, which follows the sun during the day, and delivers significantly more energy than traditional fixed-tilt systems.

"We utilized our industry-leading SunPower Tracker technology at both of the power plant sites, maximizing energy output, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs," said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of SunPower's European operations. "We are pleased that the Spanish market continues its rapid adoption of solar power, and that Solarpack
chose SunPower to provide innovative turnkey solar solutions."

Monday, April 21, 2008

Macy's Dedicates 307 Kw Solar Power System

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of tomorrow's worldwide celebration of Earth Day, Macy's and SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), the San Jose-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, are dedicating
a 307-kilowatt solar power system at the Macy's store at Oakridge Mall in San Jose. SunPower has partnered with Macy's to design and install solar power systems on 28 stores across California, including 12 in Northern California, and also assisted the retailer in improving the energy efficiency at the stores.

The solar dedication is part of Macy's Turn Over A New Leaf campaign that kicked off yesterday. The awareness campaign is designed to support, educate and inspire sustainability and eco-friendly practices in everyday life. In addition to special promotions, merchandise and in-store events, Macy's will donate all of the proceeds from ticket sales for its national charity days -- One Good Turn -- on April 26th and 27th to the National Park Foundation.

The solar power system on Macy's San Jose store is expected to generate 404,000 kilowatt hours per year. It will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 514,000 pounds, which is the equivalent to planting 1590 acres of trees over the 30-year lifetime of the system.

"Through commitment and innovation, I believe that we will lead the way to solving the world's environmental challenges," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "The partnership between Macy's and SunPower is a great example. Together, the two companies are demonstrating how deploying clean renewable technology is fiscally and environmentally responsible. San Jose stands to benefit from their leadership and vision."

Macy's has committed to installing over 8 megawatts of solar power systems on its California stores. At most of the stores, including the San Jose location, Macy's will purchase the generated electricity from a third-party financier under the SunPower Access(TM) power purchase
agreement (PPA) program. MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC, will finance, own and operate solar power systems at all stores for which PPA arrangements have been finalized. Delivering predictably priced electricity with no upfront system cost, MMA Renewable Ventures' PPA services provide Macy's with immediate savings and a long-term hedge against rising peak power prices.

Combining solar power with energy efficiency upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems and energy management systems is expected to reduce energy consumption by more than 24 million kilowatt hours annually, achieving an estimated 40 percent reduction in Macy's demand for utility-provided energy in those stores. Carbon dioxide emissions are estimated to be reduced by more than 195 million pounds over the lifetime of the systems, which is the equivalent of removing 1,144 cars from California's highways each year.

"Macy's is committed to supporting the development of clean technologies, and reducing our energy consumption," says Macy's, Inc. Vice Chair Tom Cole. "We are proud to join the fight against greenhouse gas emissions in California because we believe a successful business is
dependent on a healthy environment."

"SunPower is proud to partner with Macy's to deliver innovative solar technology, efficiency upgrades and affordable financing solutions to support this unprecedented 28-store commitment," said SunPower Chief Executive Officer Tom Werner. "We applaud Macy's for their forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility."

In addition to San Jose, other Northern California locations scheduled to receive SunPower solar power systems include Concord, Cupertino, Daly City, Fresno, Newark, Richmond, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Stockton and Sunnyvale. Completion of all the solar power installations is expected by the end of this year.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Macy's Announces Rooftop Solar Project

SAN FRANCISCO, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, LLC ("MuniMae," Pink Sheets: MMAB) today announced that it has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 14 new solar electric systems at Macy's stores in California. MMA Renewable Ventures arranged equity investment for the first four systems through its Solar Fund III, a financing commitment with a subsidiary of Wells Fargo ("Wells Fargo," NYSE: WFC), under which Wells Fargo intends to fund 10-15 megawatts of solar energy projects nationwide.

SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems is providing the systems. Through the SunPower Access(TM) PPA program, MMA Renewable Ventures will own the solar energy systems and sell market-competitive, predictably-priced electricity to Macy's in support of
the retailer's commitment to environmental sustainability. The 14 systems financed by MMA Renewable Ventures are part of Macy's partnership with SunPower to install solar systems and provide energy efficiency upgrades on a total of 28 stores throughout California.

"Macy's has demonstrated remarkable leadership in promoting sustainable business practices through its statewide clean energy and energy efficiency measures," said Matt Cheney, CEO of MMA Renewable Ventures. "Today we are working with Macy's to prove that such pioneering efforts can be as good for a company's bottom line as they are for the environment."

"Forward-thinking companies are using power purchase agreements to benefit from the use of clean, renewable solar power," said SunPower Chief Executive Officer Tom Werner. "Macy's is combining energy efficiency upgrades with a significant commitment to solar power, financed by MMA Renewable Ventures, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions easily and affordably."

"Our investment in this Solar Fund is part of our broader strategy to finance and support business opportunities that help accelerate a transition toward a sustainable energy economy," said Barry Neal, Wells Fargo's Director of Environmental Finance.

MMA Renewable Ventures' customized PPA solutions eliminate the upfront cost of solar energy systems and ongoing responsibilities of system maintenance for energy customers like Macy's. As a third-party system owner, MMA Renewable Ventures manages project risk and optimizes incentives and other financial factors to make the new solar energy systems a cost
effective source of clean energy. Leveraging its deep expertise in project finance and energy system operations, MMA Renewable Ventures is able to deliver a long-term contract for power that offers customers immediate energy savings and a long- term hedge against future pricing volatility.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Walmart and Sunpower Announce Solar Power Project

CHINO, Calif., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced completion of a 390-kilowatt solar power system at the Sam's Club store in Chino. The store is the first of seven Wal-Mart facilities in California to receive high-efficiency SunPower solar power systems, totaling 4.6 megawatts, and is part of a major purchase of solar power from SunPower and other solar power providers for approximately 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers in Hawaii and
California. The stores included in the pilot project are expected to achieve savings over their current utility rates as soon as the first day of operation.

"We are very pleased with SunPower's progress on the Chino solar project," said Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president of energy for Wal-Mart. "Wal-Mart is moving forward with its commitment to conserve energy, reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions -- and this project is a step in the right direction."

"Leading companies like Wal-Mart are turning to solar power because it makes good business sense and supports their environmental initiatives," said Tom Werner, chief executive officer of SunPower. "Wal-Mart's SunPower solar power systems are financed through our SunPower Access(TM) program, which is a power purchase agreement that allows our customers to take
advantage of the environmental and financial benefits of solar power with no upfront capital costs. The solar electricity will be competitively priced against retail rates, providing Wal-Mart with a long-term hedge against rising peak power prices."

Each solar power generating system installed may vary, but on average it can provide up to 30 percent of the power for the store on which it is installed. "By Wal-Mart's estimates, installing the solar power systems will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8,000-10,000 metric tons per year," said David Ozment, director of energy for Wal-Mart. The solar power pilot project is a major step toward Wal-Mart's goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy.

On the roof of Wal-Mart's Chino store, SunPower installed the proprietary SunPower(R) T-10 solar roof tile, which tilts at a 10-degree angle to increase energy capture. SunPower solar panels, which are 50 percent more efficient than conventional solar panels, are used to maximize
power generation and financial savings, especially on rooftops with constrained space.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

SunPower Sees 227% Year Over Year Revenue Growth

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter 2007, which ended December 30, 2007. This press release contains both GAAP and non- GAAP financial information. Non-GAAP figures are reconciled to the closest GAAP equivalent figures on the final page of this press release.

Revenue for the 2007 fourth quarter was $224.3 million, down 4.3 percent from prior-quarter revenue of $234.3 million and up 201.1 percent from year- ago fourth-quarter revenue of $74.5 million. The Components segment accounted for $100.4 million of fourth-quarter revenue, a 31.1
percent increase from prior-quarter revenue of $76.6 million. The Systems segment accounted for $123.9 million of fourth-quarter revenue, a 21.4 percent decrease from prior- quarter revenue of $157.7 million. Third-quarter 2007 revenue was significantly influenced by large scheduled project installations, particularly the Nellis Air Force Base project. 2007 fourth-quarter revenue growth, compared to the fourth quarter of 2006, was primarily driven by continued strong demand for SunPower products and systems across market segments and channels. For reporting purposes, the Systems segment generally represents products and services sold directly to the system owner, while the Components segment represents primarily
products sold to installers and resellers. Additionally, both SunPower and third-party solar panels sold through the Systems segment channels are recorded as Systems segment revenue.

Monday, January 21, 2008

SunPower Teams With NorSun For Polysilicon Deal

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that it has signed two polysilicon agreements to be supplied by a new polysilicon plant located in Saudi Arabia. The two agreements will support in aggregate 2500 megawatts of solar cell production.

SunPower signed a polysilicon purchase agreement with NorSun AS and another with NorSun and its partners who are forming a joint venture company to construct a new polysilicon plant in Saudi Arabia. Each agreement anticipates polysilicon delivery to begin in 2010 and extend
through 2019.

"SunPower continues to develop new sources of polysilicon," said PM Pai, chief operations officer of SunPower Corp. "We are building a diverse portfolio of intermediate and long-term silicon supply contracts that support SunPower's cost reduction roadmap. Economies of scale in our supply chain, manufacturing and channel development will drive down installed solar system costs by 50 percent by 2012."

Thursday, January 10, 2008

SunPower Lights Up Poughkeepsie Town Hall With Solar

RHINEBECK, N.Y, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hudson Valley Clean Energy and SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced the completed rooftop installation of a 10-kilowatt solar electric power system at the Poughkeepsie Town Hall.

"Rich in culture and history, Poughkeepsie understands the responsibility we have to preserve our environment for future generations," said Pat Myers, supervisor, Town of Poughkeepsie. "Thanks to Hudson Valley Clean Energy and SunPower, we are now generating our own clean, renewable solar power at Town Hall, while lowering electricity costs."

For this project, Hudson Valley Clean Energy utilized high-efficiency SunPower solar panels and the non-penetrating SunPower(R) T10 Solar Roof Tile, which tilt at a 10-degree angle to increase energy capture. While SunPower T10 systems are installed on commercial and public facilities throughout California, this is the first installation of a T10 system in upstate New York. The T10 system is a low weight, self-ballasted solar mounting system that allows large solar arrays to be quickly mounted on flat roof commercial buildings with no penetrations to the roof. Such systems have become increasingly popular in California as commercial and public facilities strive to control and reduce their future energy costs.

"To maximize the efficiency of the system, we recommended SunPower panels and the SunPower T10 Solar Roof Tile system for this installation," said Jeff Irish of Hudson Valley Clean Energy, a SunPower Premier Dealer. "We actually offered the Town two alternative system designs, and are happy they went with the SunPower T10 solution because it is a lighter weight system and was significantly lower in cost for the Town. We are pleased to provide the T10 system to the Town of Poughkeepsie, and now to offer it to public and commercial customers throughout upstate New York."

Friday, January 04, 2008

SunPower To Build 8 MW Solar Plant in Spain

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that its Spanish subsidiary will engineer, procure equipment for and construct an
approximately 8 megawatt solar electric power plant in the Extremadura region of Spain.

A corporate affiliate of The Naturener Group, a Spanish-based company, will own the solar power plant, and SunPower expects the system will beginoperating in September 2008.

"Once again we are teaming with Naturener to deliver clean, reliable solar power to the rapidly expanding Spanish market," said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of SunPower's European operations. "By using the industry-leading SunPower(R) Tracker technology, Naturener will maximize the solar plant's energy delivery, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs."

"SunPower's engineering, procurement and construction expertise will be key to meeting our budget and schedule targets," said Rafael Sanchez-Castillo, CEO of The Naturener Group. "We are pleased to continuethe solar power segment of our renewable energy portfolio in Spain."

Thursday, December 13, 2007

SunPower to Aquire Italian Firm Solar Solutions

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Solar Solutions, a solar systems integration and product distribution company based in Faenza, Italy. The acquisition is expected close in Q1 of 2008 and to be accretive to non-GAAP net income in 2008.

Solar Solutions is a 14-person division of Combigas, a petroleum products trading firm. Active since 2002, Solar Solutions distributes components such as solar panels and inverters, and offers turnkey solar power systems and standard system kits via a network of dealers throughout
Italy. According to Navigant Consulting, Inc.'s PV Services Program, an independent, global market research firm, Italy is potentially one of the fastest growing solar markets worldwide due to a combination of high electricity prices, abundant sunlight and attractive government incentives.

"Solar Solutions has been a SunPower customer since 2006," said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of SunPower's European Operations. "We have gained a strong appreciation for the Solar Solutions team and their system integration and product distribution capabilities. We believe that this acquisition will provide an important platform for SunPower to address both the solar power plant and rooftop markets in Italy. We plan to work with Solar Solutions to leverage the business systems and skill sets we have built in the US market, where we are currently selling standardized systems to residential and commercial customers through a network of over 125 dealers, and to strengthen our capabilities to address the power plant
segment as a turnkey contractor."

Luca Bandini, CEO of Solar Solutions, added: "The employees and management of Solar Solutions are extremely excited at the prospect of joining SunPower Corp., one of the world's leading solar companies. We know from experience that SunPower's products have already established a strong reputation for quality and performance in the Italian market, and we look
forward to offering its full range of high performance customer solutions. We plan to expand our footprint in the residential and small commercial sector through a professionally organized dealer network, and to directly serve as a turnkey contractor to the expanding power plant market and large commercial applications."

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

SunPower and Jiawei SolarChina Sign Agreement

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that it has signed a five-year agreement with Jiawei SolarChina Co., Ltd. (Jiawei) to secure a supply of monocrystalline silicon ingots and silicon wafers.

Jiawei is affiliated with SunEnergy, SunPower's solar panel assembly partner, and plans to scale its operations to 200 ingot pullers in Beijing, China. Beginning in 2008, SunPower will purchase sufficient silicon in ingot and wafer forms to satisfy production requirements that represent more than 900 megawatts of solar cell production based on SunPower's
expected silicon utilization during the agreement period and subject to contract conditions. SunPower will provide polysilicon to Jiawei during the life of this agreement.

"Our partnership with Jiawei will diversify our upstream supply chain," said PM Pai, chief operating officer at SunPower Corp. "As we scale and expand our silicon supply base into China, we are pleased to extend our relationship with our partner, Jiawei."

Saturday, April 28, 2007

SunPower To Build 3 Solar Power Plants in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain, April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency, commercially available solar cells, solar panels, and solar systems, today announced a number of solar power plant projects being built or supplied by its PowerLight subsidiary. These projects will expand PowerLight's market-leading footprint in Spain to more than 61 megawatts.

PowerLight is partnering with Solarpack Corporacion Tecnologica, S.L. on three major projects in Spain, two in the province of Seville and one in the province of Badajoz, for a total of 17 megawatts. PowerLight announced one of those projects, the approximately 4.8 megawatt power plant in Llerena, earlier this month. PowerLight is managing the design, engineering, procurement installation, operation, and maintenance of these three solar power plants on a turn-key basis.

For Elecnor, S.A., PowerLight is supplying proprietary solar tracker technology and equipment to the 21 megawatt, 80 hectare Hoya de los Vicentes project in Jumilla near Murcia, Spain, which is nearing completion. The proprietary PowerTracker(R) solar tracking technology tilts the solar panels toward the sun as it passes across the sky, increasing annual energy production by up to 25 percent compared with fixed-tilt systems. PowerLight previously delivered solar trackers for Elecnor's 23 megawatt La Magascona power plant in the town of Trujillo, Caceres.

"Spain has one of the best solar resources on Earth and we applaud the government's active leadership in bringing solar power to market," said Marco Antonio Northland, PowerLight general manager, Europe. "With excellent partners like Elecnor and Solarpack, we look forward to responding to Spain's power needs with reliable, clean and affordable solar energy."

Northland will be addressing an audience at the European Energy Forum in Barcelona on Thursday, April 26 on the topic of solar tracking technology. The presentation will begin at 12:00 noon local time at the Palau de Congressos de Barcelona, Pavilion 5. SunPower and PowerLight are participating as exhibitors at the Forum at Stand 15.

About SunPower

SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR) designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric technology worldwide. SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely
attractive, all-black appearance. SunPower's PowerLight subsidiary is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems, with over 100 megawatts installed. For more information on SunPower please visit the SunPower website at http://www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a
majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY).

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

PowerLight to Build 4.8 Megawatt Solar Electric Power Plant in Spain



GENEVA, April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PowerLight, a leading global provider of large scale solar power systems and a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), announced today that its Swiss subsidiary,PowerLight Systems S.A., has entered into an agreement with Agrupacion Solar Llerena-Badajoz 1, A.I.E. and Solarpack Corporacion Tecnologica,S.L., to design and build a solar electric power plant in Llerena, Spain. The plant is expected to generate approximately 4.8 megawatts of peak power.

The project will cover an area of approximately 19 hectares, and will employ proprietary solar tracking technology developed by PowerLight, which increases annual energy production by up to 22 percent compared with fixed-tilt systems. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of this year. Solarpack is the project developer.

"PowerLight offers today's most advanced solution for maximizing both solar energy production and financial project returns on large-scale solar projects," said Jose Galindez, chief executive officer of Solarpack. "We are looking forward to working with PowerLight to complete this project and deliver emission-free, renewable solar power to the people of Llerena and
the surrounding area."

"Spain has one of the best solar resources on Earth and we applaud the government's active leadership in bringing solar power to market," said Marco Antonio Northland, PowerLight general manager, Europe. "With excellent partners like Solarpack, we look forward to responding to Spain's power needs with reliable, clean and affordable solar energy."
PowerLight is a market leader in Southern Europe, with a number of projects under development in the region. On March 28, an 11-megawatt project in Serpa, Portugal, designed and deployed by PowerLight, was officially dedicated.

About PowerLight

PowerLight is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems, delivering over a decade of experience and financial value to commercial, utility, public sector and residential customers worldwide. PowerLight designs, deploys and operates the largest solar power systems in the world through market-leading innovation and exceptional customer service. For more information, please visit http://www.powerlight.com. PowerLight is a subsidiary of SunPower Corp.

About SunPower

SunPower Corp. designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric technology worldwide. SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. SunPower's PowerLight subsidiary is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems, with over 100 megawatts installed. For more information on SunPower please visit the SunPower website at http://www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY).

Friday, May 19, 2006

SunPower selected by Sunset for Celebration Idea House

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower
Corporation(Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer
of the world's highest efficiency, commercially available solar
cells and solar panels, today announced that its industry-leading
solar panels were chosen to power the Sunset Celebration 2006
Idea House
. Sunset will welcome visitors to the Idea House for
five weekends, beginning with Sunset's Celebration weekend
on May 20, 2006.