SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) today announced it has signed an agreement with Arizona Public Service (APS) to design and construct a 15-megawatts (MW) (AC) solar photovoltaic power system at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona.
Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011, it is expected to be the largest solar power installation at a U.S. government facility.
Approximately 550 local renewable energy jobs will be created during construction.
"Installed on 101 acres of underutilized land, this system will generate the equivalent of 50% of the annual energy requirements for Luke Air Force Base," said Air Force Lt. Col. John Thomas, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron commander at Luke. "Benefits of the project to the American taxpayers include no initial out-of-pocket expenses to the Air Force, significant long-term savings on electricity costs, and the increased energy independence associated with using reliable, emission-free solar power."
APS will own the system that SunPower designs, builds and maintains, and sell electricity to Luke Air Force Base under a long-term agreement.
"As a result of our previous experience working with the U.S. Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, as well as with other government agencies such as the General Services Administration and the U.S. Navy, SunPower has developed federal procurement capabilities that help agencies procure reliable, high performance solar systems utilizing a variety of mechanisms," said Karen Butterfield, SunPower's director of federal accounts.
Construction is expected to commence in January once environmental assessments, permitting and site preparation is complete.
