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West Valley College Celebrates New Solar Gateway Project Expected to Save College More Than $9 Million
1.1-Megawatt SunPower Solar System Will Meet One-Third of Campus Demand

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- West Valley College, Gilbane Co., a full-service construction company, and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB), today announced the dedication of the Solar Gateway Project, a 1.1-megawatt solar power system at the West Valley College campus, located in Saratoga, Calif. With SunPower's high-efficiency solar panels, the system will generate approximately one-third of West Valley College's electricity demand.

"We take great pride in the grand opening of this solar installation, celebrating our commitment to stewardship and sustainability. The Solar Gateway signifies the genuine focus we have on integrating green and sustainable practices throughout our West Valley campus," stated Dr. Lori Gaskin, West Valley College President.

Completed at an accelerated schedule of two-and-a-half months, the solar system features a three-acre elevated solar canopy structure with nearly 2,640 SunPower® E19 / 425 Solar Panels that generate reliable, emission-free solar power, reducing the campus' energy costs and providing premium shading for parked vehicles. West Valley College is expected to save more than $9,000,000 in electricity costs over the 25-year-life of the system.

"Community colleges, universities and K-12 schools across California are wisely utilizing financing mechanisms available to the educational sector to deliver clean energy to their campuses, while reducing long-term operational costs," said SunPower Managing Director Bill Kelly. "With the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar systems on the market today, West Valley College will recognize a great return on its investment in clean energy."

During the 2011 to 2012 school year, SunPower is actively installing solar power systems at over 90 school facilities in California, including the 1.1-megawatt system at West Valley College. SunPower has built solar power systems for California community colleges including Bakersfield College, Mendocino College, Napa Valley College, Ohlone College, the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District, and the Los Angeles Community College District. The company has more than 750 large solar power systems in operation or under contract globally.  

About West Valley College

West Valley College, located in Saratoga, is one of the 112 community colleges located throughout the state. At a local level, West Valley College is part of the West Valley – Mission Community College District which encompasses both West Valley College and our sister college, Mission College, located in Santa Clara. Established in 1963, West Valley College now serves the educational needs of over 11,000 students each semester. For additional information, visit www.westvalley.edu.

About SunPower

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.SunPowercorp.com.

About Gilbane Co.

Gilbane Inc. (http://www.gilbaneco.com) is a full-service construction and is comprised of Gilbane Building Company and Gilbane Development Company. Gilbane Building Company is one of the largest construction and program managers in the nation, and provides a full slate of facilities-related services for clients in the life sciences, transportation, healthcare, convention/cultural, government, educational, mission-critical, corporate, sports/recreational, and criminal justice markets.

SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE SunPower Corp.

For further information: Madeleine Maguire, +1-510-439-4721, mmaguire@sunpowercorp.com; or Melanie Wolfe, +1-760-468-0881, mwolfe@gilbaneco.com