October 2, 2008

Belmont, WA, Australia: SunPower and Invest North Partner on Roof Mounted Solar System

SunPower Corporation has signed an agreement to build a 305-kilowatt SunPower solar power system atop the roof of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Invest North Pty Ltd. is the owner of the project. When completed, the system will be one of the largest roof-mounted solar power systems in Australia.

"We are proud that Invest North chose SunPower's high-efficiency solar panels to help power its flagship hotel in Australia," said Bob Blakiston, managing director of SunPower Australia. "This installation will be a testament to the growing adoption of solar energy on commercial and public buildings. The Crowne Plaza Hotel's solar electric system is expected to provide between 40 and 80 percent of the hotel's power requirements, depending on the time of year."

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts (DEWHA) is providing financial backing for this project, as part of Australia's $94 million Solar Cities Program. "Through the support of the Rudd Labor government, projects such as this set a clear standard for what is expected of Australian companies when reducing their environmental impact," added Blakiston.

SunPower entered the emerging Australian solar market earlier this year, with the acquisition of Solar Sales Pty Ltd. Solar Sales had partnered with SunPower for several years prior as a leading systems integrator and product distribution organization.

Further details about: SunPower Corporation and Solar Sales Pty Ltd