SunPower and its manufacturing partner, Flextronics have celebrated the production milestone of the 500,000 solar panel manufactured at the Flextronics facility in Milpitas, California.

Dedicated in April 2011, the plant employs more than 100 people and produces between 80 and 90 megawatts (MW) annually, depending on the size of the solar panel being produced.

Manufactured at this facility is the high efficiency, most reliable SunPower E-Series Solar Panel produced in two configurations: 128 cells for solar power plants, and 96 cells for the commercial and residential markets.

"With this U.S. manufacturing facility, and others like it around the globe, SunPower delivers our high efficiency, most reliable solar panels close to growing markets," said Marty Neese, SunPower COO.

"From the start, the Flextronics team quickly brought this plant on-line, with full production less than four months after the first panel was produced. The integrity that these workers continually demonstrate has created a quality workforce that delivers SunPower's premium product."

In addition to high demand for SunPower panels for the residential market, some of the utility and commercial sites with California-made panels include:

+ California Valley Solar Ranch in San Luis Obispo is one of the world's largest solar power plants and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It is already providing power into the grid through PG and E.

+ San Ramon Valley Unified School District with 3.3 MW over five schools, covers 172,240 square feet. Over the systems' 25-year life, the District is expected to save more than $20 million in electricity costs that can be directed back into its general fund.

+ Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is supplying 2.1 MW to three San Jose bus stations and is expected to save $2.7 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years

"Today's milestone is a great accomplishment for both companies," said Jeannine Sargent, Flextronics President, Energy.

"Flextronics is extremely proud to help SunPower in its goal to manufacture clean, renewable solar energy for local customers in Silicon Valley, surrounding communities and throughout the U.S."