THE NORTH FACE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF A 1MW SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Ground-mounted system owned by Recurrent Energy features single-axis trackers to maximize energy production, and an innovative dual land-use design from Suntech Energy Solutions
Visalia, California–November 18, 2008–The North Face®, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, announced today the completion of a 1MW solar electricity system at its West Coast distribution center located in Visalia, California. The system, which will power 25-30 percent of the energy needs of the facility, was designed, engineered and installed by Suntech Energy Solutions (formerly EI Solutions), and is financed, owned and operated by Recurrent Energy, a distributed power company and the pioneer in Solar as a ServiceSM. One hundred percent of the electricity will be sold to The North Face under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) from Recurrent Energy.
The solar energy system is part of The North Face’s broader climate change strategy complementing its membership with the US Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leaders program and a separate agreement with Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). The agreement, to offset 100 percent of the CO2 emissions associated with energy use for The North Face’s North American operations, is through purchase of Green-e® Climate-certified carbon offsets from wind energy projects.
“We are deeply committed to exploring new and creative solutions for energy reduction and utilizing this implementation to foster energy education throughout the local community,” said Steve Rendle, president of The North Face. “Through our partnership with Recurrent Energy and Suntech Energy Solutions, we are proud to be hosting a tremendously innovative system that will yield above-average energy production and financial savings.”
“We’re extremely pleased to be announcing the completion of our project today - it’s a perfect example of the emerging opportunity we see in distributed power,” said Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy. “There is a massive need for clean generation located close to where power is actually used, and customers like The North Face are playing a key role in making that vision a reality.”
Suntech Energy Solutions’ innovative design locates the system over a storm water retention area on the property, allowing for its dual use and providing a buffer to adjacent properties. By protecting the retention function of the area, the design negates the need for a new drainage system, while at the same time provides a clean, noise-free use of the land. Another key feature in the system’s design is the use of RayTracker™ GC single-axis solar trackers, on which 5,504 Suntech photovoltaic (PV) panels are mounted.. By tracking the sun as it moves, RayTracker will keep the PV panels focused on the sun’s rays, thereby maximizing the amount of energy produced by each panel and increasing the system’s return on investment. The new ground-mounted system is located adjacent to VF Corporations’ (The North Face’s parent company) 800,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution center.
“This project is a great accomplishment for us and for The North Face, a company highly regarded for its commitment to social responsibility and the environment, as well as for its innovative use of technology in its products,” said Andrew Beebe, managing director for Suntech Energy Solutions. “Along with Recurrent Energy, we look forward to expanding the potential of solar power adoption.”
In an effort to promote alternative energy and to educate the community on the solar energy system, The North Face is working with BEF to donate to its innovative educational outreach program, Solar 4R Schools, to regional schools. Solar 4R Schools focuses primarily on solar and wind energy, and provides tool kits, teacher training, and classroom education programs.
According to national data provided by the US EPA, the solar energy system, which is owned and operated by Recurrent Energy, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,300 metric tons annually. This is equivalent to removing nearly 250 automobiles from operation for one year, or preserving more than 11 acres of forest. The environmental benefits generated by this project will be sold separately.
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. is a world leading solar energy company as measured by both production output and capacity of solar cells and modules. Suntech is passionate about improving the environment we live in and dedicated to developing advanced solar solutions that enable sustainable development. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a variety of high quality, cost effective and environmentally friendly solar products for electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility sectors. Suntech offers one of the broadest ranges of BIPV products under the MSK Solar Design Line(TM). Suntech has sales offices worldwide and is a market share leader in key global solar markets. Suntech Energy Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. For more information, please visit http://www.suntech-power.com.
About Recurrent Energy
Recurrent Energy is a leading distributed power company and the pioneer in Solar as a ServiceSM. The company builds and owns onsite solar power systems, selling clean electricity to its customers at grid-competitive rates. By overcoming the barriers preventing widespread adoption of distributed solar power, Recurrent Energy makes solar a practical choice for today’s large energy users in the commercial, government, and utility markets. For more information on Recurrent Energy and Solar as a Service, please visit www.recurrentenergy.com.
About Bonneville Environmental Foundation
Founded in 1998 and based in Portland, Ore., Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is a very different kind of non-profit: We think and operate like a business to engage people in solving our most pressing environmental issues--clean water and clean energy. BEF supports new renewable energy development in North America through the sale of BEF Carbon Offsets, and invests revenue from these sales directly into watershed restoration and renewable energy programs, such as Solar 4R Schools, which has introduced more than 30,000 students to renewable energy since 2002. Learn more at www.b-e-f.org.
About The North Face
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, Calif., the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners © 2008 Suntech Energy Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Press Contacts
Sara Hammes Helena Kimball Pamela Bennett
Suntech Energy Solutions Recurrent Energy The North Face
+626-716-4110 +415.675.1513 +1-510-618-3654
shammes@suntechamerica.com helena@recurrentenergy.com pamela_bennett@vfc.com
Pamela Bennett :: The North Face
Communications Manager
510.618.3654 office :: 510.618.3550 fax
www.thenorthface.com
