SunPower, a Silicon Valley-based leading solar technology and energy services company, announced its manufacturing partner, Flextronics, celebrated the production milestone of the 500,000 solar panel manufactured at the Flextronics facility in Milpitas, California.
Dedicated in April 2011, the plant employs more than 100 people and produces between 80 and 90 megawatts (MW) annually.
The facility produces highly efficient and reliable SunPower E-Series Solar Panel in two configurations: 128 cells for solar power plants, and 96 cells for the commercial and residential markets.
“With this U.S. manufacturing facility, and others like it around the globe, SunPower delivers our high efficiency, most reliable solar panels close to growing markets,” said Marty Neese, SunPower COO, in a statement.
“From the start, the Flextronics team quickly brought this plant on-line, with full production less than four months after the first panel was produced,” Neese added. “The integrity that these workers continually demonstrate has created a quality workforce that delivers SunPower’s premium product.”
Flextronics has provided for SunPower panels for the residential market. It has also delivered for some of the utility and commercial sites with California-made panels including California Valley Solar Ranch in San Luis Obispo and San Ramon Valley Unified School District with 3.3 MW over five schools.
In addition to this, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is supplying 2.1 MW to three San Jose bus stations and is expected to save$2.7 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years.
“Today’s milestone is a great accomplishment for both companies,” said Jeannine Sargent, Flextronics president, Energy.
“Flextronics is extremely proud to help SunPower in its goal to manufacture clean, renewable solar energy for local customers in Silicon Valley, surrounding communities and throughout the U.S,” Sargent added.