SunPower has installed the first solar panel at a 3 MW project for Gap Inc. at the retailer’s distribution center in Fresno, Calif.
Once complete, the system is expected to meet approximately 50% of the Fresno facility’s energy needs and reduce the company’s operating expenses. It will also support Gap’s goal to reach 100% renewable energy across its global owned and operated facilities by 2030.
The solar project is expected to offset 4,539 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Goldman Sachs Renewable Power owns the system, while Gap will purchase electricity under a 20-year power purchase agreement and retain the associated renewable energy credits.
“We commend Gap Inc. for making renewable energy a business priority, and SunPower is proud to be their solar energy partner on this project,” says Nam Nguyen, SunPower’s executive vice president of commercial solar.
The ground-mount system will feature SunPower’s Performance Series solar panels, assembled at the company’s Hillsboro, Ore., factory. It is being built by RP Construction Services Inc.
The new 3 MW project is the second SunPower solar project installed at Gap’s Fresno location, joining a 1 MW ground-mount system constructed in 2008.
