SunPower, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, has renewed its supplier partnership with GRID Alternatives, a Bay Area-based non-profit solar installer.
Under terms of the agreement, SunPower is providing GRID Alternatives with its high efficiency solar panels through a combination of donations and fair market value sales to deliver affordable solar power to underserved communities across California andÂ
In addition, the partnership will provide thousands of hands-on training opportunities for job seekers through GRID’s volunteer-based installation model.
SunPower has worked with GRID Alternatives since 2006 providing philanthropic gifts and equipment and donating more than 1,300 employee volunteer hours to help hundreds of families install solar electric systems on their rooftops. This seven-year partnership is expected to generate approximately $15 million in savings for these families over the life of their systems.
“It’s rewarding to see SunPower’s investment directly impact local families looking to save on electricity costs or job trainees working to gain hands-on experience,” said SunPower president and CEOÂ Tom Werner.
SunPower, U.S. Bancorp agree to finance residential solar lease projects
Recently SunPower announced a new program with U.S. Bancorp to expand financing options available to homeowners interested in high-efficiency SunPower solar power systems.
The program is expected to benefit two to three thousand homes. It will provide financing for $100 million of residential systems, expanding leasing options in nine states. Both SunPower and U.S. Bancorp invested in the program, their first renewable energy partnership.