SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, announced the completion of a 550-kilowatt (kW) solar power system at the new Brocade (Nasdaq: BRCD) headquarters in San Jose, Calif. The SunPower solar power system, which is one of the largest installations in the City of San Jose, will be featured at the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony today.
"We are very proud to feature the SunPower solar power system, the cornerstone of our new LEED Gold Certified campus, at today's ribbon-cutting ceremony," said Mike Klayko, Brocade CEO. "As we designed our 'green' facility, we realized that integrating solar as a clean, silent form of energy, made both economic and environmental sense. The investment will produce more than 18 million kWh over 25 years and offers a direct hedge against the rising cost of electricity. We encourage other businesses to join us in adopting solar for their campuses."
The 550-kW solar system features the SunPower E 18/305 Solar Panel, a 96-cell module utilizes SunPower's all-back contact cell, delivering a total panel conversion efficiency of 18.7 percent.
"We applaud Brocade's clean tech vision, in particular its forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility," said Tom Werner, SunPower CEO. "Brocade will benefit from SunPower's unparalleled experience in delivering high-performance solar solutions, which will result in a significant return on investment. SunPower congratulates Brocade on its new headquarters."
SunPower works with Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) in arranging financing for renewable energy projects, including identifying benefits from various state and federal government solar tax incentives. Bank of America focuses on projects like this as part of its $20 billion, 10-year business commitment to address global climate change by aligning its financial products and services to the burgeoning low-carbon economy.