SunPower Corp., a Silicon Valley-based solar technology and energy services company, and its manufacturing partner, Flextronics, today celebrated the production milestone of the 500,000 solar panel manufactured at the Flextronics facility in Milpitas, California. 

Dedicated in April 2011, the plant employs more than 100 people and produces between 80 and 90 megawatts (MW) annually, depending on the size of the solar panel being produced.  Manufactured at this facility is the high efficiency, most reliable SunPower E-Series Solar Panel produced in two configurations: 128 cells for solar power plants, and 96 cells for the commercial and residential markets.

In addition to high demand for SunPower panels for the residential market, some of the utility and commercial sites with California-made panels include:

•    California Valley Solar Ranch in San Luis Obispo is one of the world’s largest solar power plants and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.  It is already providing power into the grid through PG&E.
•    San Ramon Valley Unified School District with 3.3 MW over five schools, covers172,240 square feet.  Over the systems’ 25-year life, the District is expected to save more than $20 million in electricity costs that can be directed back into its general fund.
•    Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is supplying 2.1 MW to three San Jose bus stations and is expected to save $2.7 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years