Antioch Unified School District Scores Extra Credit with Sun Power Systems at 20 Schools

In addition to lowering its Carbon Footprint, District Estimates Solar Power will Save $39 Million Over the Next 30 Years

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SunPower Corp.

Feb 04, 2015, 08:00 ET

ANTIOCH, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) is celebrating the completion of high efficiency SunPower solar power systems on 20 of its school campuses today. The District estimates that the solar power systems will save the District an estimated $39 million over the next 30 years, offsetting the district's electricity demand from the utility grid by approximately 69 percent.

"Going solar makes sense today and for future generations," said AUSD Superintendent Donald Gill, Ed.D. "These SunPower systems will maximize our use of clean, renewable energy and reduce utility expenses. We look forward to using the future savings to enhance the quality of the programs we offer our students."

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) installed a total of 5.2 megawatts of solar power systems at the 20 schools, using SunPower solar panels, the most efficient and reliable panels on the market today. The systems primarily include rooftop solar arrays and solar shade structures in school parking lots, which take advantage of underutilized space and provide much needed shade.

"Antioch Unified School District can rely on its SunPower solar systems to deliver guaranteed energy performance over the long term," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. "SunPower works with school districts across California to reduce operating costs and repurpose the savings to the classroom. It is extremely rewarding to partner with our public schools to deliver needed savings, while inspiring teachers and students with the great power and potential of the sun."

According to estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the AUSD solar power systems will avoid production of almost 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of removing 22,260 cars from California's roads over the next 30 years.

SunPower is a leader in delivering energy solutions to California's school districts. At 19 school districts across the state, the company has installed solar power systems totaling more than 62 megawatts which, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, is enough to power almost 13,000 average California homes.

The company also works closely with California schools to offer the SunPower Solar Science Academy, a summer project- and work-based learning program that is delivered over the course of one week in participating districts, immersing students and teachers in a solar-focused curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Approximately 250 students from 11 California school districts participated during the 2014 summer session, including 13 students from Antioch Unified School District.

About SunPower
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) 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, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

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SOURCE SunPower Corp.