Wal-Mart Stores and SunPower Complete First Solar Power Pilot Project in California

January 28, 2008 – Vol. 12 No. 45

Wal-Mart Stores and SunPower Complete First Solar Power Pilot Project in California.

The project, a 390-kilowatt solar power system at the Sam's Club store in Chino, is the first of seven to use SunPower solar power systems. The pilot project will eventually include 22 stores with a combined solar electric capacity of 4.6 megawatts. Solar systems for the pilot project will be provided by SunPower and other manufacturers.

The stores included in the pilot project are expected to achieve savings over their current utility rates as soon as the first day of operation. Each solar power generating system installed may vary, but on average it can provide up to 30 percent of the power for the store on which it is installed.

"By Wal-Mart's estimates, installing the solar power systems will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8,000-10,000 metric tons per year," said David Ozment, director of energy for Wal-Mart.

The solar power pilot project is a major step toward Wal-Mart's goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy.

On the roof of Wal-Mart's Chino store, SunPower installed the proprietary SunPower(R) T-10 solar roof tile, which tilts at a 10-degree angle to increase energy capture. SunPower solar panels, which are 50 percent more efficient than conventional solar panels, are used to maximize power generation and financial savings, especially on rooftops with constrained space.

SunPower Corporation designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar-electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (1/28/08)

Links:

Wal-Mart Stores
http://www.walmartfacts.com

SunPower Corporation
http://www.sunpowercorp.com

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: Yes