Suntech Reports Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Financial Results

Company Exceeds Fourth Quarter Revenue and Full Year PV Product Shipment Guidance; Announces Repurchase of $93.8 Million of Convertible Senior Notes SAN FRANCISCO and WUXI, China, Jan. 23

SAN FRANCISCO and WUXI, China, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power
Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest photovoltaic (PV) module
manufacturer, today announced preliminary financial results for the fourth
quarter and full year 2008.

For the fourth quarter of 2008, Suntech expects total net revenues to be
in the range of $405 million to $420 million, above previously issued guidance
of revenues in the range of $345 million to $360 million. Full year 2008 total
net revenues are expected to be in the range of $1.91 billion to $1.93 billion
and full year 2008 PV product shipments are expected to be in the range of
493MW to 496MW.

As a result of the rapid decline in silicon prices in the fourth quarter,
Suntech expects to make an inventory provision in the range of $46 million to
$58 million, which would have a negative impact to the gross margin of 11% to
14%. Fourth quarter 2008 consolidated GAAP gross margin is expected to be in
the range of -1% to 2%.

"We are pleased to have exceeded our revised revenue and shipment guidance
for the fourth quarter and full year 2008," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's
Chairman and CEO. "While the weakening macro-economic environment and limited
availability of credit has led to rapid changes in market conditions and
reduced visibility, we believe that there is relatively strong underlying
demand for Suntech products. We also believe that in this challenging
environment, customers recognize the value in partnering with Suntech due to
our reputation for consistently delivering premium quality modules, record of
very successful projects, localized customer service and commitment to solar
innovation."

Convertible Senior Notes Repurchase and Investment Impairment

During the fourth quarter of 2008, Suntech conducted open market
repurchases of Suntech's 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012. Through
December 31, 2008, Suntech re-purchased $93.8 million aggregate principal
amount of the Convertible Senior Notes for a total cash consideration of $61.0
million. As a result, Suntech realized a net gain of approximately $30 million.
Suntech may from time to time seek to make additional repurchases of its
Convertible Senior Notes. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing
market conditions, our liquidity requirements and other factors.

Due to the rapid decline in silicon prices and difficult financing
environment, Suntech expects to incur an expense related to the impairment of
Suntech's investments in Nitol Solar and Hoku Materials. The total value of
the investment impairment is expected to be in the range of approximately $49
million to $52 million.

As of December 31, 2008, Suntech's cash and cash equivalents balance was
approximately $508 million, which is approximately $113 million higher than
the cash and cash equivalents balance at the end of the third quarter of 2008.
Cash and cash equivalents increased primarily due to the liquidation of some
short term investments and the accelerated collection of some Value Added Tax
Recoverable.

Amy Zhang, Suntech's Chief Financial Officer, said, "The prudent
restructuring of our balance sheet enabled us to simultaneously reduce our
Convertible Senior Notes commitment and increase our cash balance during the
fourth quarter. With our relatively strong financial status, we believe we are
well positioned to weather the global economic downturn and capitalize on the
long term growth potential of the solar industry."

The Company also announced that it had reduced the workforce by
approximately 800 employees as a result of ongoing performance evaluation in
the fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, Suntech suspended the hiring of a
further 2,000 new staff in line with the Company's decision to maintain
production capacity at 1GW as a result of the difficult economic environment.
Suntech will consider further expansion and hiring when market conditions
improve. Suntech's headcount as of December 31, 2008 was 9,070.

The estimates presented in this press release are preliminary. Adjustments
to the estimates and projections set forth in this press release may be
identified as a result of, among other things, finalization of the company's
financial closing procedures and external audit process for the year ended
December 31, 2008. As such, these estimates and our expectations set forth
herein may change materially.

Suntech will hold a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full
year 2008 financial results at 8am EST on February 18, 2009. For further
information and dial in details please visit http://www.suntech-power.com
under Investor Center: Financial Events.