SunEdison activates 1.1MW solar power plant at Staples Fulfillment Center

LA MIRADA, USA: Staples Inc., the world's largest office products company, and SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR), announced the activation of a 1.1 megawatt (MW) solar system on the roof of the Staples fulfillment center in La Mirada, Calif. The activation marks the 32nd SunEdison solar power site hosted by Staples.

SunEdison financed, constructed, owns and operates the new solar power facility, which covers over 300,000 square feet of roof space. The system will produce nearly 2 million kWh of energy annually and more than 30 million kWh over the next 20 years. That is enough energy to power more than 2,800 average U.S. homes for one year.

The environmental benefits associated with the system will offset more than 30 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the initial 20 years of operation – the equivalent of taking 3,200 cars off the road for the same period.

Staples' solar power program began in 2005 and includes facilities in California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, including the 1 MW fulfillment center in Hanover, MD, and the 1.5 MW Distribution center in Hagerstown, MD. Staples ranks #5 on the EPA Green Power Partnership's Top 20 Retail list, representing the largest annual green power usage.

"The solar installation in La Mirada marks Staples ongoing commitment to environmental leadership," said Mark Buckley, vice president of environmental affairs for Staples. "Through our relationship with solar services provider SunEdison, we are able to purchase energy from our rooftop at a rate below or equal to the cost of electricity from the grid. This reduces our operating costs while freeing up more electricity during peak times for use by local homes and businesses."

"Our activation with Staples is just the latest example of SunEdison's demonstrated track record, strong financing capabilities and solid partnerships to provide turnkey solar solutions with immediate energy savings," said Jaime A. Smith, vice president of North American sales for SunEdison. "We are delighted to be a trusted, fully managed solar power services provider for commercial customers like Staples."