BIOHAUS USES BUILDING INTEGRATED SOLAR PANELS

EV World, USA
http://www.evworld.com
December 1, 2004

First building in Germany to use new A-300 BIPV system generating 1.8kW of electric power

SUNNYVALE, Calif., November 19, 2004 – SunPower Corp., a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY), today announced completion of the first Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic (BIPV) system using its A-300 high efficiency solar cells. The office building, which opened today, is located in Paderborn, Germany, and is being occupied by BioHaus, a manufacturer and distributor of solar-electric modules and inverters.

SunPower’s A-300 silicon solar cells—which generate 25-30 percent more power than conventional solar cells—were encapsulated between sheets of glass by Saint Gobain Glass Solar and integrated into the building’s rounded south façade. The building also features solar panels on its southeast and southwest walls and roof. The SunPower glass/glass modules will generate up to 1.8 kW of energy for the building.

“The new BioHaus building is an environmental showpiece, combining modern photovoltaic technology with advanced energy-saving design,” said Peter Aschenbrenner, vice president of sales and marketing at Sun Power, Corp. “SunPower’s solar cells were selected not only for their outstanding area efficiency, but also due to their unique appearance. Unlike conventional blue-tinted solar cells, SunPower’s A-300 solar cells have a neutral near-black color favored by many architects. In addition, the A-300’s all-back contact design avoids the use of highly visible reflective metal interconnects between cells, further improving aesthetics.”

“We see a clear trend toward more highly integrated BIPV systems because they allow the building envelope to actively reduce electrical consumption,” said Jörn Jürgens, BIPV manager at SunPower Corp. “By integrating the world’s most-efficient solar cells from Sun Power into an architecturally pleasing building design, BioHaus has shown that companies can enjoy the energy independence and environmental benefits of solar without sacrificing aesthetics.”

“The A-300 is truly the most unique solar cell I've ever used throughout more than 500 projects that I've been involved with,” said Christof Erban, director of sales and marketing at Saint Gobain Glass Solar. “Not only does its performance and easy handling impress me, but its absolutely homogenous black velvet appearance fascinates me most. I expect this cell to be very present in the building integration market as it combines the highest electrical performance with outstanding aesthetics.”

About A-300

SunPower’s A-300 solar cell features a unique, all-back-contact design that maximizes working cell area, hides unsightly wires and simplifies automated production. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently measured the A-300 solar cell’s power efficiency at an industry-best 21.5 percent; where competing production cells typically measure in the 12- to 15-percent range. The solar cell’s low voltage-temperature coefficient, exceptional low-light performance and high sensitivity to light across the entire solar spectrum enable the A-300 to convert virtually every accessible photon into useable electricity, maximizing annual energy production.

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