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.