SunPower Develops Solar Power Systems for San Diego and Placer Counties

SunPower, manufacturer of solar cells, announced that it is developing new solar power solutions for the San Juan Water District (SJWD) in Placer County and the Fallbrook Public Utilities District (FPUD) in San Diego County.

The solar power solutions utilize SunPower technology to enhance the generation of solar power. The systems are likely to be operational from early 2011.

SunPower is developing a 794 KW solar power system for SJWD. The system is expected to offer 89% of the electricity requirement for the water treatment plant. It will utilize SunPower solar panels that incorporate the SunPower T0 Tracker module. The SunPower T0 Tracker enhances the energy capture by a maximum of 25%, when compared to traditional fixed-tilt systems.

SunPower is also constructing a 1.1 MW solar power system for FPUD by utilizing SunPower solar panels. The solar panels incorporate SunPower T20 Trackers, which allow the panels to rotate and improve the energy capture by a maximum of 30%, when compared to traditional fixed-tilt systems. The SunPower T20 Trackers also help in decreasing the land use requirements.

General Manager of FPUD, Keith Lewinger stated that the solar panels would offset nearly 45% of the electricity required for the district units.