SunPower Breaks Ground on Vandenberg Air Force Base for 28 MW Solar Power System

SunPower Corp. announced that it has broken ground on a 28-MW solar photovoltaic system at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

The SunPower solar power system will be installed on land just outside the gates of Vandenberg. The Base will purchase energy generated by the plant under a 25 year PPA at fixed electricity rates. The Air Force will retain all environmental credits associated with the system. After completion it will generate 54,500 MWh of energy annually, meeting about 35% of Vandenberg’s total energy needs.  It’s anticipated to be the largest behind-the-meter solar power system in the Air Force where 100 percent of the energy generated will be consumed onsite.

Vandenberg Air Force Base Chief of Portfolio Optimization, Ken Domako said that A solar project that is grid-connected to the Base enables them to meet their electric demand with renewable energy and increase their energy security. They look forward to increasing the Air Force’s energy independence with competitively priced, dependable solar from SunPower.

SunPower executive VP,  Nam Nguyen said that SunPower is pleased to offer a cost- competitive renewable energy solution to the U.S. Air Force, which will provide increasing economic and environmental value to the Vandenberg Air Force Base for 25 years. They congratulate the Air Force for its commitment to renewable energy, and are proud to help the Air Force achieve its sustainability goals with SunPower’s innovative solar solutions.

Image Source: SunPower