Cypress Semiconductor to install 335 kW Solar System on San Jose Headquarters

source: Press Release email S.DeVico 2001.11.14

SAN JOSE, CA, NOV. 14, 2001 -- Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE: CY), a global
supplier of high-performance integrated circuits, today announced that it is
deploying a large solar electric generation system at its new headquarters
building in San Jose to offset expensive peak power purchases from the grid.
The 335kW solar rooftop array is being manufactured, designed and installed
by PowerLight Corporation of Berkeley, California (www.powerlight.com). When
completed, this system will be the largest photovoltaic (PV) system in the
Silicon Valley, generating enough electricity to power more than 300 homes.
“Investing in clean, reliable solar energy is consistent with Cypress’s
track record of being pioneers in technology innovation and leaders in our
community,” said Cypress president and CEO T.J. Rodgers. “We see no reason
why other Silicon Valley firms shouldn’t follow suit – this project was
entirely justifiable on economic merits alone.”
“Silicon Valley is a natural leader in recognizing and implementing new
solutions to California’s energy needs,” noted PowerLight CEO Tom Dinwoodie.
“As with the introduction of distributed computing, onsite distributed solar
generation offers customers flexibility and increased control over their
energy demand. Cypress’ new 335 kW solar system will help Cypress efficiently
and reliably meet its energy needs – and provide excess generation back to
the grid for a return.”
“Commercially-sized solar PV is a smart long-term investment, especially
during tough economic times,” added Rodgers. “On-site solar PV addresses our
nation’s energy security and insulates us from future price volatility. Wider
PV deployment will ensure all Americans a safe, reliable and stable energy
supply, while reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources.”
The PowerGuard solar panels will reduce Cypress’ utility costs
substantially over the next three decades, while extending the lifetime of
the roof and providing added thermal insulation benefits to the building.
PowerGuard is a patented, lightweight PV roofing assembly that delivers clean
solar electricity to the building while protecting the roof from damaging
effects of weather and UV radiation. The project is being underwritten in
part by rebates from the California Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables
Buydown program, and incentives from California PUC.

About Cypress
Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE: CY) is “Driving the Communications Revolution”™
with high-performance integrated circuits for network infrastructure and
access equipment. Leveraging its process and system-level expertise, the
company designs and manufactures solutions targeted across wireless and
wireline communications. Cypress supports a wide range of industry standards,
such as SONET (OC-48 and above), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),
InfiniBand™ and Gigabit Ethernet. The company’s communication s product lines
include programmable high-speed physical layer devices (PHYs), wirespeed
network search engines (NSEs) and network coprocessors (NCPs), and datapath
switching elements (DSEs). Cypress is also the industry’s leader in
communications timing solutions, networking-optimized communications memories
and personal connectivity solutions, such as USB and Bluetooth.
Cypress is a leader in pure optical and optoelectronic technologies
designed to push network transmissions to higher performance levels and to
satisfy the increasing demand for network bandwidth. With a focus on emerging
communications applications, cypress aims to become the preferred silicon
supplier for network infrastructure solutions and for every network data
stream to pass through at least one Cypress IC.
Cypress employs 4,000 people worldwide. Its shares are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol CY. More information about Cypress is
accessible on the Web at http://www.cypress.com.

About PowerLight
PowerLight (www.powerlight.com) is the leading manufacturer of
commercial-scale solar electric products and services. Founded in 1991,
PowerLight's systems solutions deliver reliable, affordable clean power for
commercial and government customers worldwide. Inc. Magazine has ranked the
PowerLight Corporation among the top 500 fastest growing privately held
companies in 2000 and 2001. Today, PowerLight has worldwide offices and a
full line of commercial solar electric products.

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“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995: Statements herein that are not historical facts are “forward-looking
statements” involving risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:
the effect of global economic conditions, shifts in supply and demand, market
acceptance, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product
development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and capacity
and supply constraints. Please refer to Cypress's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings for a discussion of such risks.

“Driving the Communications Revolution” is a trademark of Cypress
Semiconductor.