SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- West Valley College, Gilbane Co., a full-service
construction company, and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB),
today announced the dedication of the Solar Gateway Project, a
1.1-megawatt solar power system at the West
Valley College campus, located in Saratoga, Calif. With SunPower's
high-efficiency solar panels, the system will generate
approximately one-third of West Valley
College's electricity demand.
"We take great pride in the grand opening of this solar
installation, celebrating our commitment to stewardship and
sustainability. The Solar Gateway signifies the genuine focus we
have on integrating green and sustainable practices throughout our
West Valley campus," stated Dr.
Lori Gaskin, West Valley College President.
Completed at an accelerated schedule of two-and-a-half months,
the solar system features a three-acre elevated solar canopy
structure with nearly 2,640 SunPower® E19 / 425 Solar Panels that
generate reliable, emission-free solar power, reducing the campus'
energy costs and providing premium shading for parked vehicles.
West Valley College is expected to save
more than $9,000,000 in electricity
costs over the 25-year-life of the system.
"Community colleges, universities and K-12 schools across
California are wisely utilizing
financing mechanisms available to the educational sector to deliver
clean energy to their campuses, while reducing long-term
operational costs," said SunPower Managing Director Bill Kelly. "With the highest efficiency,
highest reliability solar systems on the market today, West Valley College will recognize a great return
on its investment in clean energy."
During the 2011 to 2012 school year, SunPower is actively
installing solar power systems at over 90 school facilities in
California, including the
1.1-megawatt system at West Valley
College. SunPower has built solar power systems for
California community colleges
including Bakersfield College,
Mendocino College, Napa Valley College, Ohlone
College, the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District, and
the Los Angeles Community College
District. The company has more than 750 large solar power systems
in operation or under contract globally.
About West Valley College
West Valley College, located in
Saratoga, is one of the 112
community colleges located throughout the state. At a local level,
West Valley College is part of the
West Valley – Mission Community College
District which encompasses both West Valley
College and our sister college, Mission
College, located in Santa
Clara. Established in 1963, West Valley
College now serves the educational needs of over 11,000
students each semester. For additional information, visit
www.westvalley.edu.
About SunPower
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and
delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels
and systems available today. Residential, business, government and
utility customers rely on the company's quarter century of
experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on
investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered
in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has
offices in North America,
Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit
www.SunPowercorp.com.
About Gilbane Co.
Gilbane Inc. (http://www.gilbaneco.com) is a full-service
construction and is comprised of Gilbane Building Company and
Gilbane Development Company. Gilbane Building Company is one of the
largest construction and program managers in the nation, and
provides a full slate of facilities-related services for clients in
the life sciences, transportation, healthcare, convention/cultural,
government, educational, mission-critical, corporate,
sports/recreational, and criminal justice markets.
SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
SOURCE SunPower Corp.