PowerLight Solar Power Systems in Hawaii Exceeding Performance Expectations

PowerLight Solar Power Systems in Hawaii Exceeding Performance Expectations

Solar Arrays Help Reduce Energy Use and Lower Emissions

PVGrid(TM) Enables PowerLight to Accurately Forecast and Track System Performance

WAIKOLOA, HAWAII, May 9, 2006 - Several of Hawaii's significant large-scale solar electric systems -located at Mauna Lani Resort, NAVFAC Pearl Harbor Naval Base, and JN Auto Group, Hawaii's largest Harley Davidson distributor- are exceeding performance targets since the solar power arrays went live. These positive performance results are confirmation for visionary solar customers who banked on the promise that their solar power systems would reap a good return on investment.

PowerLight utilizes its PVGrid(TM) software to simulate and forecast the electricity output of its solar arrays. Actual solar power production is compared to PVGrid estimates to judge the overall health and performance of the system.

At Pearl Harbor, an assessment of four months' worth of performance data shows that the Naval Base's PowerGuard(R) Roof System has over-performed every month since inception. Overall system performance has exceeded targets; it is producing 5% more than the 399,985 kWh/yr expected.

At JN Auto Group, the company's rooftop solar array performance is also exceeding expectations, generating 104,687 kWh/year.

"We're extremely pleased with the performance of JN Auto Group's solar array; it has provided the ideal energy management solution for us," noted Joe Nicolai, CEO & President of JN Auto Group. "In fact, based on the consistent performance of our solar array, we've deployed multiple solar projects at JN's other venues in Hawaii."

Mauna Lani Resort's PowerTracker(R) Ground System is performing at slightly more than its projected output; it is, on average, generating 510,641 kWh/yr.

"The clean, reliable solar generation provided by our solar power systems make sense from both budgetary and environmental perspectives," said Kurt Matsumoto, General Manager, Mauna Lani Resort. "The excellent performance of our PowerLight Solar Power Systems is providing significant financial savings, while helping us keep true to Mauna Lani's vision of preserving our beautiful land."

"We applaud Mauna Lani, the US Navy, and JN Auto Group's leadership in implementing comprehensive energy strategies that integrate clean solar power," noted PowerLight president Dan Shugar. "Hawaii's companies and governmental organizations are demonstrating they can improve air quality, reduce pressure on the electrical grid - and in the Navy's case, save taxpayers' dollars."

About PVGrid
PVGrid is a PowerLight proprietary software program that predicts the amount of energy that a specific solar Photovoltaic (PV) system will produce under a specific set of weather conditions. PowerLight's System Performance Engineering team deploys PVGrid, which uses PowerLight's extensive database of over 10 years of measured PV performance data from over 200 systems worldwide to continuously update the PVGrid model. PowerLight's attention to the accuracy of its PV energy production forecasts ensures that customers receive the maximum benefit from their investments in solar power.

About PowerLight
PowerLight Corporation is a leading global provider of grid-connected solar electric power systems. PowerLight's turn-key solutions for commercial, government and residential customers feature a full line of proprietary solar products and technologies designed to optimize energy output and project economics. Recognized by Inc. Magazine for five consecutive years as one of the 500 fastest growing privately held companies, PowerLight designs, builds and operates many of the largest solar electric systems in North America and Europe. For more information about PowerLight and its products and services, please visit www.powerlight.com.