SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept 26, 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 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. "The SunPower high-efficiency solar cells are an important element of Renzo Piano's roof design and a functional solution for generating pollution-free solar energy to support the planetarium, aquarium and rainforest inside the museum."

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 http://www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY).

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts. The company uses words and phrases such as "will," "is expected," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the company's plans and expectations regarding (a) the system generating approximately 213,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually and providing up to 10 percent of the Academy's electricity needs, and (b) the system reducing carbon emissions by 405,000 pounds per year. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and management's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the company's control. In particular, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ include (i) actual electricity generation, (ii) the actual energy consumption rate; (iii) unexpected changes in utility service rates; (iv) variations in carbon dioxide emissions reductions; and (v) other risks described in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2008, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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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