Jan 8 2010
Maryland’s single largest rooftop solar power installation was unveiled by Staples and SunEdison at Staples’ fulfillment center in Hanover. Staples is the largest office products company in the world and SunEdision is a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials and largest provider of solar energy services in North America. The solar installation occupies nearly 175,000 square feet of roof space, which is bigger that three football fields. The rooftop solar installation has a capacity to generate 1.01 megawatt of power.
This system will help to displace in excess of 43 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over a period of 20 years. This displacement of emissions is equal to eliminating carbon dioxide produced by more than 4,200 vehicles driving 12,000 miles per annum. This emission-free solar installation will produce about 1.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity per annum and for the first 20 years it will generate 21 million kilowatt hours of electricity. A power purchase agreement was signed between Staples and SunEdison through which SunEdison financed and built the rooftop solar installation. SunEdision will also maintain the installation as per the contract. The electricity generated in the system will be purchased by Staples as per the power purchase agreement.
Mark Buckley, vice president of environmental affairs for Staples, said that the solar installation at the fulfillment center demonstrates the company’s commitment to its environmental leadership. He stated that the company’s relationship with SunEdision enabled Staples to purchase electricity from the rooftop solar installation at less than or equal to the cost of electricity from the grid. This not only reduces the company’s operating costs but also releases more electricity for businesses and homes during peak demand times.
Carlos Domenech, President of SunEdison, said that the company is delighted to provide cost-effective solar solutions to its long-term partner, Staples. Domenech commented that the company continues to be a leader in the industry by combining advanced technologies with innovative project finance capabilities for the development of big solar projects.
Source: www.staples.com