Standard Pacific - California Homebuilder Commits to Solar Electric Power

source: press release 2002.01.11

A new community that is being built in the California city of San Diego, will have a standard solar electric
system on every home.

AstroPower Inc will supply at least 43 PV home power systems over the next year
to Standard Pacific for the Maravu community. The companies have agreed to a goal
of building 100 homes that are powered by AstroPower solar electric systems in
Standard Pacific communities within the next two years.

Standard Pacific will incorporate AstroPower's SunLine(TM) packaged solar electric
power system, which delivers solar electricity through the home's existing electrical
circuits. Surplus power is sent back to the grid in a net metering process.

The PV system includes all necessary components for ease of operation, as well as
a power meter so homeowners can monitor performance. The system is designed
to integrate seamlessly into the construction process.

Integration of solar electric power into new home construction is part of Standard
Pacific's efforts to build energy-efficient homes. In addition to PV systems, homes in
the Maravu community will feature radiant-barrier roof sheathing, dual-glazed vinyl
windows, high-efficiency tankless hot water heaters, high-efficiency low-E glass,
and airtight HVAC systems. Model homes are expected to open this month.

"When homebuyers choose homes with solar electric power, they're guarding
against rising electricity costs by purchasing a portion of their electricity at the
outset," explains AstroPower CEO Allen Barnett. "Over the years they own the
home, the homebuyers should experience savings on their monthly utility bills. So,
choosing solar electric power is not only the right thing for the environment, it can
save money as well.''

"Standard Pacific is the first major homebuilder to adopt solar electric power as a
standard feature for an entire community of new homes," he adds. "Through this
agreement with Standard Pacific, we are taking another significant step in making
solar electric power a mainstream product in the United States.''