SANYO dedicates two new solar installations that generate 200kW of clean, electrical power for SANYO's new facilities in San Diego. The two solar arrays are a 150kW PowerLight PowerGuard® system on the roof of SANYO's US headquarters, and a 50 kW PowerLight PowerTracker® on adjacent carport.

Roof and Carport-Mounted Solar Arrays Furnished by PowerLight Corporation, Using High-Efficiency SANYO Solar Modules

SAN DIEGO, CA, APRIL 21, 2004 -- SANYO North America today dedicated two new solar installations that generate 200kW of clean, electrical power for the company's new facilities in San Diego. The two solar arrays, a 150kW PowerLight PowerGuard® system atop the roof of SANYO's U.S. headquarters, and a 50 kW PowerLight PowerTracker® on the adjacent carport structure, generate enough electricity during the daytime to power over 200 homes. These solar electric systems were furnished by PowerLight Corporation using SANYO's high-efficiency frameless HIT-190 solar modules.

The two new solar arrays contain 1,056 solar panels. SANYO's HIT-190 solar cell features an energy conversion rate of 18.5%, the highest rate for mass-produced cells currently available. The proprietary solar cell is a hybrid of technologies that produces an optimal yield-to-area ratio. Users achieve higher energy output in less space.

"SANYO is demonstrating its commitment to people and the Earth with these two solar arrays," said Masafumi Matsunaga, President and CEO of SANYO North America Corporation. "It is our pleasure to join forces with PowerLight to demonstrate that solar power makes environmental and economic sense for businesses and people."

"Greater deployment of affordable, reliable renewable energy is critical for our city's and our nation's long term economic well-being and energy security, as well as the quality of our environment," said Mayor Dick Murphy. "SANYO's new solar installation should be the model for businesses throughout San Diego, California and the U.S."

"Now is the time to encourage greater investment in renewable power and innovative technologies," noted Irene Stillings, Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Energy Office. "The U.S. needs to diversify its energy mix and lessen our nation's dependence on fossil fuels; it should be one of our highest priorities."

"This installation represents a great partnership between SANYO and PowerLight, two companies that have developed outstanding solar technologies," noted PowerLight President Dan Shugar. "We're delighted SANYO has paired its high efficiency solar modules with PowerLight's innovative PowerGuard and PowerTracker technologies. Deploying them together at SANYO's headquarters demonstrates a tremendous commitment to renewable generation — a critical component in our energy mix."

SANYO is one of the world's leading solar photovoltaics manufacturers. In 2003, SANYO opened a new 10MW factory in Mexico, and continues to produce ingots for solar cells at its Carson, California facility. Along with other solar companies, SANYO has expanded its U.S. presence in recent years, providing high-value employment opportunities, and bringing a new level of quality and cell efficiency to the market.

About SANYO:
SANYO North America Corporation (www.sanyo.com), a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. located in Japan, oversees and supports 21 different SANYO-affiliated companies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Headquartered in San Diego, California, SANYO has more than 5,000 employees in North America engaged in manufacturing, sales and marketing, and service and support functions for SANYO's exciting and innovative products and services.

About PowerLight
PowerLight (www.powerlight.com) is the leading manufacturer of large-scale solar electric products and energy efficiency services. Founded in 1991, PowerLight solar products deliver reliable, affordable clean power for businesses and government agencies worldwide. Inc Magazine has ranked PowerLight among the top 500 fastest growing privately held companies for the past four consecutive years. Today, PowerLight has worldwide offices and a full line of commercial solar electric products and services.
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Susan DeVico
(415) 434-8220