The installation will include a 25-megawatt power plant in DeSoto County, Fla., and a 10-megawatt project at the Kennedy Space Center. SunPower will design and build the facilities and FPL will own, operate and maintain the systems. The DeSoto plant will be completed in 2009; the plant at the Kennedy Space Center will be completed in 2010. Construction is contingent on approval of the Florida Public Service Commission.

"These agreements confirm the growing trend in the U.S. to build solar power plants at a scale rivaling those in market-leading countries such as Germany and Spain," said Howard Wenger, senior vice president, global business units for SunPower. "With these agreements totaling approximately 35 megawatts, we applaud Florida Power and Light's commitment and leadership in renewable energy."

Solar photovoltaic power plants can be easily integrated into existing utility grid networks, and install much faster than conventional forms of power generation. SunPower will install SunPower panels, the highest efficiency solar panels on the market, at both sites.

At the DeSoto site, the company will install its SunPower Tracker system, which tilts toward the sun as it moves across the sky, significantly increasing daily energy production compared with fixed-tilt systems while reducing land-use requirements.

The combination of SunPower's high-efficiency panels and high-energy collection tracking systems, delivers the world's highest power density solar systems and low cost energy.

"We selected SunPower based on its proven experience in building high- performance solar photovoltaic power plants. We are pleased to work with SunPower on these two important projects that will deliver reliable, cost- effective solar power to our customers," said Eric Silagy, Florida Power and Light Company vice president and chief development officer.

Florida Power and Light Company joined with Gov. Crist on June 25, 2008, to announce these and one other solar power project, which will make Florida No. 2 in the nation in solar power production. The projects are subject to regulatory approval.

The largest-operating solar photovoltaic power plant in North America is currently the 14-megawatt installation located at Nellis Air Force Base in Nev., also built by SunPower. Worldwide, SunPower has installed more than 450 solar power systems totaling more than 350 megawatts, including solar power plant projects in Europe, Asia and North America.

Related Links
SunPower
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com