A new solar power system is installed in the United States every 1.6 minutes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). With the number of residential solar installations expected to increase this year by 35 percent according to GTM Research, more consumers will have an opportunity to choose the best solar solution for their home, saving on electricity bills while generating clean energy. Offering a record-setting proven solar power solution, SunPower reminds homeowners that better solar technology exists and is accessible today.

"Solar technology differs widely from brand to brand, so it's important for consumers to consider that not all panels deliver the same amount of energy, look elegant on a roof, or are guaranteed to last as long as promised," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. "SunPower® panels are the most efficient that homeowners can buy, and we stand behind them for a quarter century. We're proud to hold the world-record title for efficiency."

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a federal laboratory that rigorously evaluates renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, recently tested and verified that a SunPower® X-Series solar panel reached 22.8 percent efficiency-- a new world record. SunPower's newest X-Series solar panel, the X22, offers efficiencies of more than 22 percent. The high efficiency solar panels generate more energy in the same amount of space as conventional solar panels, which can reduce the number of panels needed to meet consumers' energy needs. Compared to conventional solar panels with efficiencies that range from 15 to 18 percent, a SunPower X-Series solar panel produces over 70 percent more energy in the same space over the first 25 years.

Built from the Same Innovative Solar Technology Trusted by Homeowners and Record-breaking Solar Pioneers

With more than three decades of experience, SunPower solar has been the choice of 500,000 homeowners worldwide to help save on electricity costs and meet energy needs. The high efficiency solar panels providing electricity to these homes feature the same SunPower solar cells that have enabled solar pioneers to push the boundaries of solar energy. With SunPower's record-setting technology these visionaries are setting records of their own, innovating to take solar higher, farther, and faster.

For example, Tûranor PlanetSolar is the world's largest solar boat and is powered exclusively by SunPower solar cells. During a circumnavigation of the globe completed in 2012, it made the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by a solar boat and completed the longest distance ever covered by a solar electric vehicle. Solar Impulse 2, an experimental airplane with 17,000 SunPower solar cells covering its wings, made the longest piloted and solar-only flight traveling 5,000 miles from Japan to Hawaii just last year. It will take off again from Hawaii this spring to resume its around-the-world tour.

"At SunPower, we innovate relentlessly to deliver the most powerful and durable solar energy solutions chosen by residential, commercial and power plant customers demanding the best when investing in their clean energy futures," Wenger continued. "SunPower's greatest minds have raised the bar for the industry, and will continue to push the boundaries of quality solar for our customers."

In just over five years, SunPower has led the industry by setting four panel efficiency world records:

19.5 percent efficiency in May 2010 with E19 solar panel

20 percent efficiency in July 2011 with E20 solar panel

21 percent efficiency in April 2013 with X21 solar panel

22 percent efficiency in November 2015 with X22 solar panel

SunPower's high efficiency E-Series and X-Series solar panels are currently available to consumers in the U.S. The E-Series and X21 solar panels are also available to consumers in Europe, Japan and Australia.

For more on SunPower's latest consumer awareness efforts, history of innovation and inspiring ways its solar technology has been used to reach new heights, visit the company's latest blog post titled, "Solar Pioneers Inspire SunPower's New Demand Better Solar™ Campaign."

About SunPower

As one of the world's most innovative and sustainable energy companies, SunPower Corp. (SPWR) provides a diverse group of customers with complete solar solutions and services. Residential customers, businesses, governments, schools and utilities around the globe rely on SunPower's more than 30 years of proven experience. From the first flip of the switch, SunPower delivers maximum value and superb performance throughout the long life of every solar system. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, SunPower has dedicated, customer-focused employees in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. For more information about how SunPower is changing the way our world is powered.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding worldwide product demand and market forecasts. These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) our ability to obtain additional financing for our projects and our customers; (2) regulatory changes and the availability of economic incentives promoting use of solar energy; and (3) other risks discussed in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, including our most recent report on Form 10-K, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the SEC Filings section of our Investor Relations website at investors.sunpowercorp.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

• [Editor:tianyawei]