MADRID, Spain, Nov. 24, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWRA)(NASDAQ: SPWRB), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced the completion of the 18-megawatt Olivenza solar electric power plant in Badajoz, Spain.
SunPower installed its proprietary SunPower® T20 Tracker solar tracking system at the site, covering a total of approximately 70 hectares. The SunPower Tracker follows the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing sunlight capture by up to 30 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems.
"SunPower has extensive experience building solar power installations and the technology to maximize energy production at the site. Their expertise was a key factor in the successful completion of this project. To date, production performance has exceeded expectations," said Jose Tejada of 360 Corporate, a member of the consortium of equity investors who financed the project.
"SunPower's innovative solar tracker technology is part of our turnkey solar solution," said Mario Riello, European sales director of SunPower. "The SunPower Tracker solar power system is a proven and reliable solution for maximizing energy delivery, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs."
Construction on the project was completed in the spring, and the plant was connected to the power grid by the regional government in July.
From the company's Madrid office, SunPower has completed construction of more than 165 megawatts of Spanish power plants, and supports a network of local independent dealers installing commercial rooftop solar power systems throughout the country. Worldwide, SunPower has installed 500 solar power systems totaling more than 400 megawatts.
About SunPower
SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWRA)(NASDAQ: SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower high-efficiency solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com/.
SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE: SunPower Corporation
CONTACT: Ingrid Ekstrom of SunPower Corporation, +1-510-260-8368,
iekstrom@sunpowercorp.com; or Ana Martin-Cleto, +34-610-53-27-47,
Ana.Martincleto@ogilvy.com, for SunPower Corporation
Web site: http://www.sunpowercorp.com/