SunPower launched its Helix™ platform, a fully-integrated commercial solar solution combining solar power production and energy management. The platform can optimize power production of the whole PV system so that it will also create maximized value for its customers.

"Integral to each Helix component, from the solar cells to the energy management system, is SunPower's 30 years of innovation and experience," said Tom Werner, president and CEO of SunPower. "With standardized Helix components, we have eliminated the inefficiencies and added costs of complex system design. Helix makes the complex simple, allowing our commercial and public agency customers to easily and intelligently manage their energy use and costs and maximize solar power production over the long-term."

Helix is a modular solution that is built to last and fast to install, enabling customers to scale their solar programs quickly with minimal business disruption. The Helix platform is standardized across rooftop, carport and ground installations. Features include:

• High efficiency and environmentally friendly SunPower solar panels
• Stable mounting hardware maximizing roof coverage as well as increasing energy density in solar
• Plug-and-play power station for easy installations
• Comprehensive energy intelligence software, SunPower® EnergyLink™

With more than 20MW of Helix systems sold to date, SunPower will begin installing Helix early next year. Bed Bath & Beyond is one of SunPower's first Helix customers', with construction expected to begin on systems at eight stores early next year. The major retailer launched its solar program in 2006, and currently generates a total of 17.5MW from SunPower systems on 26 facilities in four states.

Robert Eckhardt, head of architecture and renewables development for Bed Bath & Beyond, said, "Minimizing the complexities of solar system installation is critical for keeping projects on schedule and meeting return on investment goals. Helix is designed to meet those challenges."