Distinctive Solar 'Halo' Surrounds the Academy's New Home

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that its industry-leading solar cells have been incorporated into the unique architecture of the California Academy of Sciences (Academy) in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, Calif., which is re-opening its new home this weekend.

The Academy's new building features a 'Living Roof,' which was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano. The solar halo surrounding the roof is made up of 60,000 SunPower high-efficiency solar cells encapsulated in 720 custom built glass panels. This unique display allows visitors to see both the top and bottom of the solar cells. The 172 kilowatt building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) electric system will generate approximately 213,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually and will provide up to 10 percent of the Academy's electricity needs. The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 405,000 pounds each year.

'The Academy will be reopening its doors this weekend to a revolutionary, environmentally-sustainable facility that will host inquisitive minds of all ages,' said Ari Harding, the Building Management Systems specialist at the Academy. 'Incorporating solar power into our Living Roof was a logical way to lower our carbon footprint while complementing the aesthetics of the building. We are very pleased to have the highest-efficiency solar cells in the world on our facility, made by a Bay Area neighbor.'

SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells lead the industry with up to fifty percent more power than conventional technology and two to three times the efficiency of thin film technologies. The same SunPower solar cells integrated into the roof of the Academy are the number one choice for rooftop systems on homes in California and across the United States. With an all-black appearance, SunPower's solar cells offer an attractive, affordable way to add solar to any building while maximizing the solar power generated per square foot of any roof area.

'We applaud the Academy's decision to include SunPower's high-efficiency solar technology as part of its new building, which is expected to earn a LEED platinum certification,' said Tom Werner, SunPower's CEO.