SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR) has announced the commencement of construction of the .79-megawatt SunPower® solar system situated at the new headquarters of Toyota Motor North America in Plano, Texas. The auto maker will be moving into the new headquarters this year. As opposed to original expectations, the plant has an additional one megawatt and is expected to be largest corporate office on-site solar installation in the Lone Star State.
Around 50 workers are working on the installation of high powered solar panels on the carport structures at the four parking shades. Upon completion, over 20,000 panels will cover an area equivalent to10 football standard football pitches. This will offers sufficient shade as well as protection to vehicles below it. The plant will generate sufficient energy to fill up around 33% of the headquarters energy requirement. This will significantly reduce the company’s dependence on energy from the grid.
Toyota’s regional director for North American Environmental Division Kevin Butt said they are pleased to see the solar plant take shape at the new headquarters. He adds the company is committed to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.
The company is implementing a variety of energy efficient mechanisms in its state-of-the-art headquarters with a mission to attain LEED® Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council. 20% energy efficient solar panels from SunPower which were chosen for this project are Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver which makes the company benefit of convenience and ease to reach its target. SunPower the only manufacturer of solar panels globally that has been issued with the certification which confirms the quality of the product according to the rankings in the five sections: water stewardship, social fairness, renewable energy use, material reutilization and material health.
SunPower senior vice president Nam Nguyen said they are pleased to work with Toyota on their highly innovative solar program as they strive to achieve their ambitious clean energy goals. After 14 years of collaboration with Toyota, SunPower solar power systems are working of several facilities of Toyota in the United States. Sunpower has over 30 years of experience in solar innovation.
