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Suntech to Manufacture Solar Products in the U.S.

Posted on: Monday, 11 May 2009, 07:00 CDT

SAN FRANCISCO and WUXI, China, May 11 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, today announced plans to establish solar energy products manufacturing in the U.S. The Company is currently exploring opportunities in several states that could be optimal, cost-effective locations for a production and distribution center as part of its strategy to create a long-term presence within the U.S.

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said, "We believe in the outstanding long-term prospects of the solar energy market in the United States, and we will continue to invest in our ability to meet a substantial portion of that potential growth through in-market manufacturing. A number of favorable developments have led us to this decision, including the dramatic growth in utility demand for large-scale wholesale solar projects, the increasing number of states with incentive programs for customer-owned systems and the federal government's recent stimulus package, all of which will drive steady, long-term growth in demand."

"We plan to make a decision within the next six months as to the location of our U.S. facility based on a variety of criteria, including local manufacturing incentives and long-term policy commitments that create vibrant local markets for our products," added Dr. Shi. "Suntech has invested significant resources in establishing a world-class solar team in the U.S. to service a national dealer network, provide system design and installation advice and support, and develop 10MW+ solar projects. Initiating manufacturing in the U.S. will drive further growth of green jobs and support the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources."

Using the talent of its KSL-Kuttler subsidiary, which designs and supplies automation equipment for the printed circuit-board industry, Suntech's manufacturing team has created a pilot line to develop low cost, proprietary processes that can be replicated in key countries outside of China, including the U.S. By locating manufacturing facilities close to its customers, Suntech can drastically reduce logistics issues and costs, thereby reducing carbon emissions due to the transport of modules and increasing just-in-time delivery capabilities.

States or localities with strong economic development initiatives are encouraged to contact Suntech at factory@suntechamerica.com to provide the company with more details and arrange for further discussions.

About Suntech

Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility scale solar power systems through its wholly owned subsidiaries Suntech Energy Solutions and Suntech Energy Engineering and will own and operate projects greater than 10 megawatts in the United States through Gemini Solar Development Company, a joint venture with Renewable Ventures, a Fotowatio company. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland and San Francisco and sales offices worldwide, Suntech is passionate about improving the environment we live in and dedicated to developing advanced solar solutions that enable sustainable development. For more information, please visit http://www.suntech-power.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements, and includes the ability to establish solar energy manufacturing in the U.S., the timeframe to make a decision with respect to U.S. manufacturing, the prospects of the solar energy market in the U.S. and the efficiencies which may be realized by establishing local manufacturing. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Suntech's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

Source: PR Newswire

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