Nov. 29, 2012: Navy's Largest Solar PV System Begins Operations via Power Purchase Agreement
SAN JOSE, Calif. — SunPower Corp. has announced the completion of the U.S. Navy’s largest solar power system, a 13.78-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California. The power plant is the first federal agency project to be financed through a 20-year solar power purchase agreement. The plant, designed and operated by SunPower, is generating the equivalent of more than 30 percent of China Lake’s annual energy load, helping to reduce costs by an estimated $13 million over the next 20 years.
The 20-year power purchase agreement requires no upfront capital or maintenance obligations from the Navy, matches conventional project financing terms for solar power facilities, and allows the Navy to secure electricity at up to 30 percent below the rate available through shorter duration 10-year power purchase agreements.