May 8 2007
SunPower Corporation, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency, commercially available solar cells, solar panels, and solar systems, today announced that its PowerLight subsidiary has signed a contract with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. for solar electric power systems totaling 4.6 megawatts on seven Wal-Mart facilities in California. The solar installations are part of Wal-Mart’s broader initiative to reduce the company’s environmental footprint, and are expected to provide an average of 25 percent of Wal-Mart’s energy usage at each of the seven facilities.
Wal-Mart will purchase solar-generated electricity under the SunPower Access™ program, a novel offering that allows customers to purchase solar power under a highly flexible power purchase agreement as an alternative to an outright system purchase. At the end of Wal-Mart’s multi-year power purchase agreement, the retailer will have the option to renew it, transfer the equipment to a new site, or buy the system.
“Wal-Mart is committed to finding more ways to implement and utilize renewable energy sources in our stores, clubs and distribution centers. Our solar power pilot project is a reflection of that commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Wal-Mart’s operations,” said Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president of energy for Wal-Mart. “The SunPower Access power purchase program provides us with an easy, flexible way to generate our own clean, renewable solar energy and immediately realize substantial savings on electricity costs.”
“Leading companies like Wal-Mart are turning to solar power because it makes good business sense and supports their environmental initiatives,” said Tom Werner, chief executive officer of SunPower. “Our SunPower Access program makes going solar even simpler and more cost effective for customers who prefer the option of a power purchase agreement.”
SunPower has previously installed solar power systems on three other Wal-Mart facilities.