Nov 20 2009
SunPower Corp. ( SPWRA, SPWRB), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced the completion of a 1-megawatt solar power rooftop system on three buildings at Agilent's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
This is SunPower's second project with Agilent, following the design and installation of a 1-megawatt solar tracking system at Agilent's Santa Rosa, Calif., campus last year. Agilent expects to save $3.5 million in energy costs in the first 10 years of operation.
"Agilent is pleased to partner with SunPower on this second significant project, reinforcing our commitment to clean, renewable solar power and protecting the environment," said Keith Morgan, Agilent director of environmental, health, safety and security. "Using high-efficiency solar technology maximizes the return on our investment and minimizes the environmental impact of our operations."
The system features the SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile, the solar industry's first non-penetrating rooftop product that combines a high-efficiency SunPower solar panel, frame and mounting system into a single pre-engineered unit. Tilted at a five-degree angle, the T5 Roof Tile system approximately doubles the energy generated per square meter compared to systems that are mounted flat onto commercial rooftops.
"Combined with SunPower's high-performance solar panels, the T5 Roof Tile will deliver more solar energy per square foot and greater energy savings than conventional systems," said Bill Kelly, managing director at SunPower. "This is a real demonstration of Agilent's commitment to sustainable practices, and will help the company maintain its position as an innovative business leader."
According to conversion formulas provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agilent's solar system in Santa Clara is expected to displace more than 50 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years. This is equivalent to the emissions displaced from removing more than 4,200 cars from California's highways. Agilent owns the renewable energy credits and all environmental attributes associated with the system.