Donated High Efficiency SunPower System Expected to Save Center 40 Percent on Electric Costs
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR), a leading solar technology and global energy services provider, and SunPower Elite Dealer Freedom Solar announced today the completion of a 14 kilowatt solar power system for Austin's Sustainable Food Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Steve Adler.
Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. The nonprofit organization hosts four farmers markets, provides organic food gardening classes, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, and supports area farmers', all in the Austin area.
"Through our programs we work to get local, sustainably grown food into the hands of more people every day, which improves individual, environmental and economic health, and provides critical support for local family farms," said Ronda Rutledge, executive director of Sustainable Food Center. "We're grateful to SunPower and Freedom Solar for their generous donation, and expect the system to offset about 25 percent of our electrical usage and reduce our electricity costs by 40 percent or more. This will allow us to use those savings to enhance programs that the community has come to rely on for access to healthy and affordable food."
The donated solar power system is composed of 36 high-efficiency SunPower® solar panels, the most efficient and reliable solar panels available on the market today. Freedom Solar employees volunteered their time to design and install the system. Operating since 2007, Freedom Solar, a SunPower Elite Dealer, has installed over 11 megawatts of solar panels for residential and corporate customers in the Austin area including Whole Foods, Office Depot and the University of Texas.
"We believe in providing a healthy environment across Texas," said Adrian Buck of Freedom Solar. "We're proud to partner with SunPower to give back to the community and provide a healthy, clean environment across Central Texas."
"SunPower leads the industry in environmental sustainability, and we're pleased to help the Sustainable Food Center continue cultivating a healthy community and supporting sustainable farming here in our own backyard," said Mike Kienitz, vice president supply chain operations at SunPower. "We look forward to this donation having a long-lasting impact in Austin, which more than 250 SunPower employees are proud to live and work."
SunPower, a global solar technology and services company, has had offices in Austin since 2011.
To learn more about Sustainable Food Center's sustainability efforts and programs available visit their website at http://sustainablefoodcenter.org/.
About Sustainable Food Center
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. SFC envisions a food secure community where all children and adults grow, share and prepare healthy, local food. For more information, visit www.sustainablefoodcenter.org or call 512-236-0074.
About Freedom Solar
Freedom Solar offers SunPower's financing options and works directly with customers to design customized energy and financing plans, and solar systems to fit each family's needs. Austin homeowners interested in buying or financing a SunPower system should visit http://www.freedomsolarpower.com/
About SunPower
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on SunPower's 30 years 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 and South America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.
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SOURCE SunPower Corp.