The initiative is part of a total solar commitment by JCPenney to host 3.7 megawatts at the five New Jersey stores and four stores in California. In conjunction with the solar panel installations, JCPenney upgraded lighting components at each of the five stores to improve the stores' energy efficiency.

JCPenney anticipates that the solar power systems will generate the equivalent of 25 percent of each store's total energy demand.

"JCPenney is piloting this project to explore how we can best support the development of clean energy technologies as part of our comprehensive social responsibility program," said Michael W. Taxter, executive vice president and director of JCPenney stores.

"Each new rooftop solar installation is a step in the right direction for addressing climate change and diversifying the energy supply. New Jersey's progressive efforts to promote renewable energy, combined with SunPower's high-efficiency technology and Integrys' financing, worked together to make this project viable."

The systems installed on the nine stores vary in size from 259 to 602 kilowatts. Each system is owned and operated by Integrys Energy Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG), under a SunPower Access power purchase agreement.

JCPenney is purchasing electricity from Integrys at rates competitively priced against standard utility rates, safeguarding the company against rising peak power prices. Integrys also owns the renewable energy credits associated with the systems.

"JCPenney should be commended for its forward thinking in supporting these energy projects," commented Joel Jansen, managing director of energy assets for Integrys. "Through its energy procurement choices, JCPenney has demonstrated its commitment to being an exceptional corporate citizen."

"SunPower Access is an easy, affordable way for leading companies to support solar power development and positively impact bottom line results," says SunPower Chief Executive Officer Tom Werner. "We congratulate JCPenney for its leadership and notable commitment to host solar power systems in two states."

In New Jersey, SunPower has installed solar power systems on JCPenney stores in Deptford, Cherry Hill, East Brunswick, Wayne and Woodbridge.

Using conversion formulas provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the solar systems will help avoid the emission of more than 105 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the expected 30-year lifetime of the systems, which is equal to removing more than 8,700 cars from the highways over 30 years.

In California, JCPenney stores in El Cajon, Palmdale, Redlands and Santa Clarita are hosting SunPower systems. The California solar systems, totaling 1.7 megawatts, will help avoid the emission of more than 86 million pounds of carbon dioxide over 30 years, according to U.S. EPA conversion formulas. This is equal to removing more than 7,100 cars from the highways over 30 years.

SunPower installed SunPower T10 Solar Roof Tile systems and SunPower solar panels, the most efficient panels available on the commercial market, at each store. The T10 Solar Roof Tile tilts at a 10-degree angle to increase energy capture. It is a durable, non-penetrating rooftop solution that is designed for fast installation on virtually any flat rooftop and selected ground sites.

In addition to hosting the solar power systems, JCPenney continues to expand its expertise in energy management. On March 31, the company received the government's ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award - becoming the first retailer to receive this award for energy management.

Related Links
Integrys Energy Services
SunPower
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com

Tempe AZ (SPX) May 01, 2009
First Solar has announced that it will supply photovoltaic (PV) modules to Solar Shop Australia, Pty Ltd. (Solar Shop), for a 1 megawatt (MW) DC rooftop project.