SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept 02, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that Howard Wenger has been promoted to the position of president, global business units.
Wenger has more than 20 years of experience in the solar photovoltaic industry and has served as SunPower's senior vice president, global business units for the past two years. He also served as executive vice president and a member of the Board at PowerLight Corp. for three years prior to its purchase by SunPower in 2007. In his new role, Wenger is responsible for driving SunPower's growth and revenue generation, scaling the company's rapidly growing sales organization and developing SunPower's outbound channels for the residential, commercial and power plant markets. Under his leadership, SunPower's revenue has grown from $142.3 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $382.8 million in the second quarter of 2008. With his guidance, SunPower has secured major customer accounts with retailers such as Macy's and Target, and was instrumental in negotiating and executing ground- breaking utility and power plant contracts such as those with General Electric in Europe, Nevada Power in Nev., Florida Power & Light in Fla., and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in Calif.
"Howard has continually proven himself to be a committed leader with the capacity to guide and rapidly grow our global company," said Tom Werner, SunPower's chief executive officer. "His work, and that of his team, is a testament to his passion for making SunPower the premium energy company worldwide, and solar the best choice of energy for individual consumers and utility-scale businesses alike."
Wenger's past experience includes vice president, North America, for AstroPower, Inc., prior to its acquisition by General Electric. During his tenure there, he guided the company to be a leader in the on-grid solar power market. He co-founded Pacific Energy Group, an energy consulting firm noted for defining and implementing public policies and legislation to mainstream solar power. Wenger also worked for PG&E in both photovoltaic research and strategic planning, and served as an invited researcher at the Ben-Gurion National Solar Energy Center in Israel, working with some of the world's leading solar scientists. He earned a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master's degree in engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
About SunPower
SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR) 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 www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY).
SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. Cypress is a registered trademark of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SunPower Corporation
http://www.sunpowercorp.com
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