SunPower completes 7.5 MW solar project in California

SunPower has completed a new 7.5 MW solar energy farm located on Riverside's former Tequesquite Landfill in California, USA.

The new solar farm, created in partnership with Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) and SunPower helped the city reach, and surpass its 20-MW goal. The solar farm is powered by SunPower solar panels.

SunPower built the system as part of a 25-year power purchase agreement under which Riverside Public Utilities will buy the power generated by the plant at rates that are competitive with retail electricity, minimizing the effect of rising electricity costs.

The system is owned by 8Point3 Energy Partners LP, the YieldCo joint venture formed by SunPower and First Solar. The City of Riverside is retaining the renewable energy credits associated with the system.

Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units, stated:

"We commend the City of Riverside for its leading commitment to solar, including this very significant 7-megawatt power plant, which takes good advantage of an otherwise underutilized former landfill site. Solar is mainstream and cost-competitive with traditional energy sources today, and can help fiscally responsible agencies reduce electricity costs to better serve their constituencies."