Solano Community College District Celebrates 2.8-Megawatts of SunPower Solar Power Systems

FAIRFIELD, Calif., Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Solano Community College District (SCCD), SunPower Corp. SPWR and Kitchell today dedicated 2.8 megawatts of solar power systems installed at three district locations. According to SCCD, the systems are expected to generate enough electricity to meet as much as 50 percent or more of annual electricity demand at the three sites.

"Solar power is a reliable, affordable means to reduce our operational costs as well as our dependence on fossil fuels," said SCCD Vice President of Finance and Administration Yulian Ligioso. "With SunPower as our solar technology provider, we expect the systems will generate significant savings over the next 25 years for the benefit of the district, our students and our communities."

SunPower designed and constructed the systems, which are installed on solar parking canopies at the district's Fairfield campus, and at district centers in Vacaville and Vallejo. The systems use high efficiency SunPower solar panels, the most efficient panels on the market today. Kitchell performed program management services and provided construction oversight for the district at all three locations.

"Installing these high efficiency systems on solar shade structures in parking lots allows the district to maximize the clean, renewable energy generated while taking advantage of underutilized space and providing needed shade," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions. "With on-campus SunPower systems that deliver guaranteed performance, Solano Community College District can realize long-term savings that can be used to enhance academic programs."

According to industry estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the 2.8 megawatts of SunPower systems are expected to offset the production of roughly 2,200 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to removing approximately 10,850 passenger vehicles from California's highways over the next 25 years.

SunPower has installed approximately 20 megawatts of solar power systems at 12 community college districts in California. The systems are generating enough clean, renewable solar electricity to power more than 4,100 California homes each year, according to calculations provided by the Solar Energy Industries Association. At current utility rates, it's estimated the districts are avoiding approximately $5.4 million in annual electricity costs.

About Solano Community College District

The College has served as the preeminent educational institution in Solano County since 1945 when it was founded as Vallejo Junior College. In the early 1970s, the College moved to its present Fairfield site, and is currently serving over 20,000 students throughout the academic year.

In addition to the main campus in Fairfield, the College has one center in Vacaville, and one in Vallejo. To further serve the community, SCCD offers courses at Travis Air Force Base, and operates a School of Aeronautics at the Nut Tree Airport. 

Currently, Solano Community College offers associate degrees and certificates in various disciplines, to include transfer courses to CSU and UC, and provides training in several trades.  For more information, please visit us at www.solano.edu.

About Kitchell

Kitchell is a builder, developer and construction manager serving clients with preconstruction, construction, project management, engineering and architecture, fiscal assessment, property and  facility management needs. These services are delivered by professionals who are dedicated to serving in the best interest of their clients. The company's extensive portfolio includes integrated project delivery, design-build, at-risk, general contracting, construction and program management and development projects for private and public-sector clients throughout the country. Learn more at kitchell.com.

About SunPower Corp.

SunPower Corp. SPWR designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE SunPower Corp.