Demonstrating continued sustainability leadership, SunPower announced that its E-Series and X-Series Solar Panels manufactured at the company's facilities in France are Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver, following the same certification earned in Mexico last year. With the announcement, 75% of SunPower’s solar panels now carry the same mark.
Administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, Cradle to Cradle certification demonstrates a product's quality level based on rankings in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. With Cradle to Cradle product certification growing in popularity, an increased number of third-party organizations acknowledge and reward the use of certified products. For example, through the U.S. Green Building Council's global LEED program which recognizes excellence in green buildings, a conventional solar power system contributes five points to the 40 points required for Basic LEED Certification. But by using SunPower solar panels with the Cradle to Cradle designation and reducing construction waste, commercial customers can acquire an additional nine LEED points for a total of 14.
"With three SunPower facilities now manufacturing Cradle to Cradle Certified solar panels, we continue to help residential and commercial customers reach their long-term sustainability goals, whether by achieving LEED certification or having a positive impact on society and the environment," said Marty Neese, SunPower COO.