First Sunpower Solar Panel Installed at Gap Inc. Fresno Distribution Center

SunPower today announced that the first solar panel has been installed at a 3-megawatt SunPower® solar project for leading global retailer Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) at its distribution center in Fresno. Once complete, the system is expected to help Gap Inc. meet approximately 50 percent of the Fresno facility's energy needs and reduce the company's operating expenses, while supporting the company's goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy across its global owned and operated facilities by 2030.

"We're deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and our impact on the planet and communities where we do business," said Keith White, EVP of Global Sustainability, Gap Foundation and Loss Prevention at Gap Inc. "The renewable energy generated by this SunPower solar project is a reliable, cost-effective way to address our sustainability commitments while also contributing to the health of the local community."

The solar project is expected to offset 4,539 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually which is equivalent to removing approximately 964 passenger vehicles from the road for one year according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's carbon footprint calculator. Goldman Sachs Renewable Power (GSRP) owns the system, while Gap Inc. will purchase electricity under a 20-year power purchase agreement and will 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," said Nam Nguyen, SunPower executive vice president, commercial solar. "SunPower's complete energy solution is the top choice for businesses in the U.S. looking to drive down electricity costs and meet ambitious renewable energy goals with reliable, industry-leading solar technology."

The ground-mount solar energy system will feature SunPower's Performance Series solar panels assembled at the company's Hillsboro, Ore., factory. Built by RP Construction Services Inc., the project will track the sun, maximizing clean electricity production for the Gap Inc. distribution center.

The new 3-megawatt project is the second SunPower solar project installed at Gap Inc.'s Fresno location, joining a 1-megawatt ground-mount system constructed in 2008. As the No. 1 commercial solar provider in America for the second consecutive year, SunPower continues to leverage its market-leading experience to help companies like Gap maximize their renewable energy investment.