SunPower Corp., a global technology and energy services provider, announced on October 2nd that its SunPower® E-Series Solar Panel and SunPower® X-Series Solar Panel have been awarded the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver distinction by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The high efficiency SunPower E-Series and X-Series solar panels, manufactured at the company's factory in Mexicali, Mexico, are the first and only solar products to be awarded this certification, which is based on the sustainable manufacturing processes implemented at this facility.

The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard is administered by the Institute and is a comprehensive product quality standard that evaluates product design, manufacturing, corporate citizenship and ethics principles. Products are assessed according to Material Health, Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy Use, Water Stewardship, and Social Fairness.

"Cradle to Cradle product certification is another example of how SunPower facilitates innovative thinking and builds sustainability from the very core of the company's business activities," said Marty Neese, SunPower COO. "It can also serve an additional value to our customers, whether they are looking to boost their own sustainable future or help achieve LEED certification. We are extremely proud of this recognition and look forward to implementing similar programs across all of our solar panel manufacturing facilities."

The products were assessed using the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard by the product design and optimization firm MBDC, one of 13 companies around the world authorized to conduct product analysis for the Institute. Product certification is available at five levels (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), with each higher level imposing a more rigorous set of requirements.

"SunPower is the first and only solar company to achieve Cradle to Cradle product certifications, and we applaud their leadership in energy and material health," said Bridgett Luther, president at the Institute. "SunPower's dedication to making the world better through their technology positions them as a leader among leaders, and their commitment to innovation deserves this recognition."