SunEdison Helps 700 Students Gain Energy Independence

CHENNAI, INDIA --(eSolarEnergyNews)-- SunEdison, the world's largest renewable energy development company, today announced the installation of a 100 kilowatt (kW) solar system on the premises of the Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home as a part of its Social Innovations mission to bring electricity to 20 million people by 2020. The project will enable the students at the Mission to be more energy independent and, under a net metering arrangement, can raise revenue for the Mission when surplus electricity is generated.

The Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home serves approximately 700 students in the Indian state of Tamilnadu, and has sister organizations throughout the world providing spiritual and educational opportunities as well as medical services to the public.

Reverend Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, Adyaksha of the Sri Ramakrishna Math Center in Chennai and Senior Trustee and Governing Body Member of the Ramakrishna Math Center and Mission, stated: "The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission centers in India and abroad always strive to reduce pollution by using clean and efficient technologies. Generating electricity from renewable energy helps mitigate the air and water pollution emitted by coal power plants that is linked to certain health risks."

"SunEdison is proud to donate and install this 100 kW solar system to the Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home," said Pashupathy Gopalan, President of Asia-Pacific for SunEdison. "The system allows the mission to increase its energy independence and frees up resources to help them focus on vocational training and universal education to students."

The rooftop installation is composed of 345 high performance SunEdison solar panels, and is connected to the state electricity grid. Under the net metering arrangement, the Mission can export excess electricity produced by the solar panels to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), powering nearby buildings with clean solar energy.

SunEdison To Bring Electricity To 20 Million People By 2020

BELMONT, CA --(eSolarEnergyNews)-- SunEdison, the world's largest renewable energy development company, today announced an ambitious plan to electrify 20 million people in underserved communities around the world. The initiative will be led by SunEdison Social Innovations, a global group focused on developing new business models and new technologies which make renewable energy in rural communities economically sustainable over the long term, while also contributing to social and environmental benefits to the community.

"Billions of people worldwide don't have access to electricity," said Ahmad Chatila, President and Chief Executive Officer at SunEdison. "Without electricity they can't access many of the things we take for granted - health clinics with vaccines, or schools with computers and fans. But by applying a mix of new business models, new technology, and charitable donations, we are tackling the issue head on. We are committing to bringing electricity to one million people by the end of 2015, and are targeting to help 20 million people gain access to electricity by 2020."

The Social Innovations team has already started working toward its goal and has helped more than 250,000 people worldwide through strategic partnerships focused on three key areas: new business models, new technology, and charitable donations.

New business models

SunEdison is developing new ways to bring electricity to the people who need it most through a series of partnerships and innovative business models.

In India, SunEdison and Omnigrid Micropower Company (OMC) are electrifying rural villages by pairing commercial solar customers with local villagers.  Telecom companies need their cellular towers powered. Villagers need electricity. A solar electric mini grid providing electricity for both of them is the answer. The mini grid is first built to power the tower – the tower becomes the anchor for the project. With this in place, SunEdison and OMC develop additional mini grid capacity that can be sold to the local villagers. By pairing high credit telecom companies with low to no credit villagers the entire project becomes bankable. It is a mutually beneficial relationship – the telecom companies save money by powering their telecom towers with cost effective solar energy, while the hundreds of families that live around each tower get access to electricity that can be used for lights, fans and mobile phone chargers. With a target of 5,000 solar power plants to be developed over the next 5 years, the SunEdison-OMC partnership expects to help more than 10 million people.

In Nepal, SunEdison is partnering with SunFarmer to amplify the benefits of electricity by providing solar systems to remote hospitals, health clinics, and schools. Their latest innovation is a five to seven year rent-to-own loan. The loan was designed to fit the needs of less affluent organizations by spreading the cost of the solar system over a longer term than is typically available. Financed in this way, solar delivers lower cost energy than diesel generators and brings with it the certainty that the energy prices are not going to fluctuate.

To date, SunFarmer and SunEdison have positively impacted 250,000 people to date through this program and are set to expand to geographic regions beyond Nepal, with the goal of bringing electricity to 7 million people by 2020.

New Technology

The new Outdoor Microstation is now available for deployment. The Outdoor Microstation is a stand-alone power generation unit that provides renewable and reliable electricity for a variety of off-grid applications in hard-to-service remote areas.

It can be used to quickly and cost effectively power households and small businesses, illuminate public places, supply energy to clinics and health centers, power water pumps or irrigation systems, or provide electricity to telecommunications systems. These systems can be deployed quickly - in less than a day, a village that was dark the night before can experience electricity by sundown  As an added benefit, the Outdoor Microstation protects against rising and fluctuating diesel fuel costs.

The Outdoor Microstation comes in two versions: a 3,500 volt-amperes version and a 650 volt-amperes version. The Outdoor Microstation 3500 unit can provide power for a rural community of up to 25 households, including street lighting, for 5 hours each night. The 650 volt-amperes unit can provide electricity for up to 10 households for five hours each night. Both models are equipped with high capacity batteries that can provide three days of autonomy under any weather condition. The system is low maintenance and is designed to ensure steady operation under almost any conditions, thanks to its quality components and its rugged weatherproof design.

To view the new SunEdison Outdoor Microstation video please visit: youtu.be/KEFlpqpE8NE.

Charitable Donations

SunEdison and the SunEdison Foundation are engaged in a variety of charitable initiatives dedicated to empowering people and improving lives. To maximize the benefits of electrification in the local community, the SunEdison Foundation focuses on providing clean energy solutions for health clinics and schools.

"We have donated and installed 344 kilowatts of solar systems for 28 schools and clinics to date, which has positively impacted more than 16,000 people," said Alakesh Chetia, President of Social Innovations at SunEdison. "Our latest donation is a 5.2 kilowatt system installed at a school on the off-grid island of Gilutongan, in the Philippines. This system is the largest system ever donated to an island in the Philippines. The school had no access to electricity during the day to power the 11 computers owned by the school. By donating a solar system to the school, we have given these children a means to learn with computers.  This will improve computer literacy for the area, which will have a powerful economic impact further down the road as the children enter the job market."

Recently, the SunEdison Foundation made a charitable donation to the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) to help salt farmers in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat purchase solar water pumps. The pilot phase of the program has been very successful; the donation has enabled the purchase of 200 solar water pumps.  SunEdison hopes to move all 17,000 SEWA members from diesel to solar water pumps over the next 5 years by bringing in additional funding from finance partners.

Mr. Chetia concluded: "Bringing electricity to 20 million people by 2020 will require not only new business models, new technologies, and charitable work, but also partnerships. We all benefit when we work together. At SunEdison we're committed and engaged, and we want to magnify our efforts by connecting with others who are equally engaged."

To find out more about SunEdison Social Innovations and our mission please visit www.sunedison.com/social_innovations.

About SunEdison

SunEdison is the world's largest renewable energy development company and is transforming the way energy is generated, distributed, and owned around the globe. The company manufactures solar technology and develops, finances, installs, owns and operates wind and solar power plants, delivering predictably priced electricity to its residential, commercial, government and utility customers.  SunEdison is one of the world's largest renewable energy asset managers and provides asset management, operations and maintenance, monitoring and reporting services for its renewable energy customers around the world. Corporate headquarters are in the United States, with additional offices around the world. SunEdison's common stock is listed on the New York Stock

SunEdison Signs REC Solar as First Channel Partner

BELTSVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider, today announced that national integrator REC Solar has been signed as the company’s first channel partner.

SunEdison’s solar channel partner program provides national installers and integrators increased project financing capabilities, including the ability to deliver projects via a solar power purchase agreement. In addition, for photovoltaic solar energy systems developed under the program, SunEdison will provide service, maintenance and monitoring through the company’s advanced control and management technologies.

“We are excited to partner with SunEdison and to benefit from the expertise they bring in structuring and financing large scale solar projects. Together, we can help government agencies, utilities and commercial customers generate clean solar energy with no upfront capital costs while creating jobs in our local communities,” said Matthew Woods, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at REC Solar. REC Solar is based in San Luis Obispo, California.

Brian Jacolick, GM Americas, SunEdison noted, “We’re building long-term sustainable partnerships through our solar channel partners program. This program will result in more systems installed – and thus more local jobs for the industry and for our partners. Our partners bring the on-the-ground expertise and share our commitment to deliver PV solar energy systems that meet rigorous engineering and construction standards.”

Cory Vaughan, Director Channel Sales, SunEdison noted, “Customers have the best of both worlds. They benefit from our partners’ expertise and will realize more financial and energy savings through SunEdison’s approach to long-term solar energy system management.”

Solar channel partners must exceed two years of installation experience on commercial-scale systems and meet industry-standard design and construction requirements.

GM To Add 1.2 MW Solar Array To Transmission Plant

Baltimore, Maryland – General Motors announced today it will add a 1.2 megawatt solar power installation to the roof of its transmission assembly plant in White Marsh, Maryland.

The system will be deployed under an agreement with SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider. Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, install, operate and maintain the system.

When fully operational in the third quarter of 2009, the system will be one of the largest rooftop solar installations on the East Coast. The system will consist of more than 8,700 solar panels and will sit on approximately 300,000 square feet of roof space.

The installation will generate about 1.4 million kWh of clean renewable solar energy, which is equivalent to the demand of about 140-150 U.S. households with an average annual consumption of 10,000 kWh. Additionally, the installation will enable GM to displace about 20 percent of the plant’s current power purchased from the local utility with a renewable energy resource, while reducing the plant’s utility bill.

“This project will help GM reduce costs while serving as a clean, renewable energy source,” said John R. Buttermore, GM Powertrain Vice President of Global Manufacturing. “Through innovation and commitment, GM is making a significant, positive impact on the environmental issues facing our world.”

The White Marsh plant reached landfill-free status in 2007, because it no longer sends any production waste to local landfills. All the waste generated at the facility is entirely recycled or reused. The Baltimore plant is GM’s first global manufacturing facility to operate landfill-free and have a solar power installation.

The State of Maryland has made an aggressive commitment to developing and promoting renewable energy sources and the GM project has support from the highest levels of the state government.

“Maryland is quickly becoming a national leader in sustainable energy alternatives,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We’re proud that GM is making this clean energy pledge at their Baltimore County plant, demonstrating their commitment as responsible corporate citizens to the long-term future of the environment we share as Marylanders.”

GM currently has two of the largest solar power installations in the United States on the roofs of its Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California parts warehouses. Upon completion later this year, GM also will have the world’s largest rooftop solar power installation at its Zaragoza, Spain car assembly plant.

“GM is making significant progress in reducing the impact our facilities have on the environment,” said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “Our expanding commitment to renewable energy sources, like solar power, is part of our coordinated global effort to reduce energy use, water consumption, waste and CO2 emissions.”

Additionally, GM is one of the largest corporate users of landfill gas in the U.S. Landfill gas is the natural by-product of the decomposition of solid waste in landfills. GM is one of the largest users of renewable energy as well. Last August General Motors received the Corporate Energy Management of the Year Award from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The award recognizes the company’s worldwide leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The GM Powertrain Baltimore transmission plant builds the Allison A1000 six-speed automatic transmissions which are featured in the award-winning Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. The plant built 189,000 of Allison A1000 six-speed transmissions in 2007. It also builds the Hybrid 2 mode transmission currently used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Progress Energy Carolinas And SunEdison Ink Deal For 1.2 MW Solar PV Plant

WILMINGTON, N.C., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Progress Energy Carolinas (NYSE: PGN) and SunEdison have signed an agreement under which SunEdison will build, own and operate a 1.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on the site of the Progress Energy L.V. Sutton Plant near Wilmington and sell the energy produced to the utility for distribution to customers.

SunEdison will build the solar PV array on about 10 acres at the existing power plant site, located off Highway 421. Progress Energy will lease the land to SunEdison for 20 years, the term of the power-purchase agreement.

The plant is the second megawatt-sized solar project announced this summer. In June, software company SAS announced it will build a 1-MW solar PV array at its Cary, N.C., campus and sell the output under a long-term contract to Progress Energy Carolinas.

Both announced projects are expected to be producing electricity by late this year. Meanwhile, the company is evaluating additional renewable energy projects, as well as potential pportunities related to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other energy technologies.

"Solar power is an important part of our balanced energy strategy for meeting the region's needs," said Lloyd Yates, CEO and president of Progress Energy Carolinas. "We are continuing to pursue cost-effective solar and other renewable opportunities aggressively, and we expect to announce additional renewable energy investments soon. Meanwhile, we're promoting increased energy efficiency and working to ensure that we have state-of-the-art power plants and infrastructure. We will continue to look for new, innovative ways to help meet our customers' needs reliably, affordably and in an environmentally sound manner."

SunEdison proposed the latest solar PV project in response to Progress Energy's request for renewable energy proposals, issued in November. The open-ended request is part of Progress Energy's plan to meet the requirements of North Carolina's energy law, passed in 2007.

The law established a renewable and energy-efficiency portfolio standard, which requires utilities to provide a portion of their energy sales using renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. For Progress Energy, that portion grows from 3 percent of total energy sales in 2012 to 12.5 percent in 2021. For solar-generated energy, the requirement begins in 2010. Under the two existing PV contracts, Progress Energy expects to begin purchasing solar-generated electricity this year.

A PV array is a collection of solar cells, each consisting of two thin layers of semi-conducting material (silicon) that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.

The Sutton Plant is an integral part of Progress Energy's system for meeting the needs of its customers throughout eastern North Carolina. The solar PV generation will add to Progress Energy's mix of resources, which includes nuclear plants as well as generation fueled by coal, oil and natural gas, and hydroelectric plants.

Ironwood State Prison Flips Switch On 1.18 MW Solar Plant

BLYTHE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ironwood State Prison (Ironwood) and SunEdison today announced the activation of a new 1.18 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted photovoltaic solar power system.

The photovoltaic system, which will deliver 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean renewable energy in the first year of operation, was deployed through an innovative public-private partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider.

Under a solar power services agreement (SPSA), SunEdison financed, constructed and will operate the solar energy system. The CDCR avoids all upfront capital costs and will purchase the solar energy at predictable prices equal to or less than current retail rates. The solar system will produce no greenhouse gases, no noise and will use little to no water in operation.

Activation of the zero-emission solar energy system is a major step for Ironwood in meeting the CDCR’s energy management goals as well as Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order S-20-04. The order mandates that State agencies evaluate the merits of using clean and renewable on-site energy generation technologies in all new building or large renovation projects, and take measures to reduce grid-based energy purchases for state-owned buildings by 20 percent by 2015, through cost-effective efficiency measures and distributed generation technologies. Over twenty years of operation, the Ironwood system will produce more than 43 million kWh of solar energy, the equivalent to powering 4,107 homes and removing 3,770 cars off the road for one year.

According to Ironwood Warden Debra Dexter, “We are strongly committed to being a good neighbor and in doing what’s right for our community. Leveraging our most plentiful natural resource – the desert sun – while protecting a limited local resource – water – makes both environmental and fiscal sense for Ironwood and California taxpayers. This partnership with SunEdison makes it possible for Ironwood Prison to be the community’s host for solar energy.”

Harry Franey, Chief of Energy Management and Sustainability Section for CDCR, described the project, “This system at Ironwood has more than 6,200 PV panels that utilize the sun, our greatest natural resource. Plus, they require little to no water to operate, which makes PV a perfect solar technology for this region. In the first year, the system will produce more than 2.4 million kilowatt hours of clean renewable solar energy. That has an immediate beneficial impact upon our environment.”

CDCR’s Deborah Hysen, Chief Deputy Secretary, Facilities, Planning and Construction, said, “The power of this innovative public-private partnership allows us to meet the environmental goals of both the CDCR and of the State of California. We’re helping to clean the air, and simultaneously relieve some of the ever increasing pressure on the electric utility grid.”

“SunEdison is extremely proud to be part of this public-private partnership with the Ironwood State Prison and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to deploy clean renewable energy,” said Thomas (Tom) Rainwater, CEO of SunEdison. “This is truly a long-term partnership, where the solar power produced at Ironwood will support our partner’s commitment to being a good community member.”

Ironwood is the second PV system SunEdison is managing under an SPSA for CDCR. In June 2006, SunEdison activated a 1.16 MW solar power system at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. The PV system at Chuckawalla has produced more than 3.7 million kWh since commercial activation. Over 20 years of production, the system will offset 31,627,817 lbs of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 3,100 cars from the road. It will produce 35,981,589 kWh over 20 years, the equivalent of powering 3,377 homes for one year.

SunEdison Pushing Standards to Simplify Solar

BELTSVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider, announced today a significant step in simplifying solar across North America by beginning integration of more than 3,300 electric utility-industry standards in the engineering, construction, deployment, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems.

With the IHS Standards Expert solution, a leading information management tool for utility industries, SunEdison engineering, construction and maintenance crews will have real-time access to utility industry standards. The new capabilities and easy-to-use interface of the IHS tool also support SunEdison’s mission to simplify solar. Implementation of broad solar standards will facilitate traditional utility interconnections and drive economies of scale for the solar industry.

IHS (NYSE: IHS) is a global provider of critical technical information, decision-support tools and related strategic services for leading companies in the utility industry.

SunEdison will use the IHS standards management tool to fully integrate standards for the solar industry which are used by electricity providers and traditional utilities. More than 300 SunEdison team members globally will have access to IHS Standards Expert during the development, implementation and refinement of photovoltaic energy systems, tapping more than 3,300 utility-adopted standards and specifications from standards developing bodies, such as IEEE, NEMA, UL and IEC.

“Solar is complex. By driving standards, SunEdison is simplifying the solar industry,” said Thomas (Tom) Rainwater, CEO of SunEdison. “Industry standards are key to ensuring a common language, specifications and measurements for development, construction and maintenance of photovoltaic energy systems in order to extract the maximum value from their systems.”

“We are proud to be working with SunEdison, providing the critical standards information they need in their leadership role in the solar energy industry,” said Jeff Tarr, co-president and co-chief operating officer, IHS. “The utilities industry has complex standards and managing that is the key for any energy service provider. SunEdison is helping to establish the benchmark for the industry which will lead to economies of scale in solar.”

Kohl's Unveils Largest Rooftop Solar Plan In The US

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE:KSS) flipped the switch on a rooftop solar energy system at its Laguna Niguel store as part of the largest planned U.S. photovoltaic solar rollout to date. Michael R. Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, joined Kohl’s to celebrate this significant step toward the building of solar electric systems at 63 of Kohl’s 80 California locations, which will total approximately 25 megawatts (MW). At completion, Kohl’s solar program will represent approximately 15 percent of California’s photovoltaic installations to date.

Kohl's is working closely with the State of California to help meet the goals set by Governor Schwarzenegger and the Public Utility Commission. Under the 2007 California Solar Initiative (CSI) program, the state expects to build solar power systems totaling 3,000 MW of solar power by 2017. At 25 MW, the total projected capacity of the Kohl’s solar systems will be larger than that of the top five largest completed photovoltaic systems in the United States combined.

California PUC President Peevey said, “This marks another milestone in meeting California’s commitment to lead the nation in producing and using clean renewable energy. Solar is an important part of California’s goals in doing what is right for our businesses, citizens and the environment. I commend Kohl’s for its leadership.”

Once completed, Kohl’s use of solar power will generate more than 35 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually, the equivalent of powering an estimated 3,087 California homes. Additionally, in the first full year of operation, Kohl’s clean energy output will offset more than 28 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas directly linked to global climate change. Over the span of 20 years, Kohl’s solar deployment will prevent in excess of 515 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

“Today’s activation marks a significant milestone for Kohl’s. Through our solar introduction, we’re further extending our commitment to green power and making a significant contribution to California’s renewable energy goals,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s executive vice president of logistics.

Kohl’s rooftop solar photovoltaic systems are being built under an agreement with SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider. Under the agreement, SunEdison manages the rooftop solar energy systems in exchange for Kohl’s commitment to purchase energy from SunEdison. In total, more than 138,000 solar panels are expected to be used when Kohl’s solar installations are complete in 2008.

“Kohl’s has chosen to use renewable energy to demonstrate environmental stewardship and contribute to a healthier environment in the communities in which they operate. We applaud Kohl’s leadership in finding a financially viable solution to deploying clean solar energy in a meaningful way,” said SunEdison CEO Tom Rainwater.

In July, Kohl's was ranked No. 8 on EPA’s National Top 25 list – up from its No. 24 ranking in April 2007 – as well as rising to No. 2 on EPA’s Top 10 Retail list – up from No. 5 in April 2007. These lists highlight EPA Green Power Partners(a) that have completed the largest annual voluntary green power purchases through July 9, 2007. The EPA updates its Top Partner lists quarterly, which are available at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/top25.htm.

Kohl's is also participating in EPA’s Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge(b) and currently ranks No. 6 among participating Fortune 500 partners. The goal of this campaign is roughly to double the existing green power purchases among Fortune 500 Green Power Partners to exceed 5 billion kWh of collective green power purchasing annually.

According to the EPA, solar power is one of many green sources of power which also include wind, geothermal and biogas. These sources of power are partially or entirely generated from clean resources and are considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity in part because of lower carbon dioxide emissions.

ABOUT KOHL’s

Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE:KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. A company committed to the communities it serves; Kohl’s operates 834 stores in 46 states and has raised more than $85 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids® philanthropic program. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.

ABOUT SUNEDISON

Sun Edison LLC is North America’s largest solar energy services provider. SunEdison provides solar-generated energy at or below current retail utility rates to a broad and diverse client base of commercial, municipal and utility customers. For more information about SunEdison, please visit www.sunedison.com. The company headquarters is located in Beltsville, Md.

(a)For a full listing of EPA’s Green Power Partners and information about buying green power, visit the Partnership’s Web site at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/.

(b)For more information about EPA’s Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge, visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/partners/fortune500.htm.

Costco Wholesale Installs Solar-Power Energy System

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif., Feb 05, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Costco Wholesale Corp., the leader in high volume, high quality products, has announced the installation of its second solar-powered energy system at its Lake Elsinore, California warehouse (29315 Central Ave., Lake Elsinore, CA). SunEdison, North America's largest solar services provider, simplified the implementation by delivering the turnkey solar system, which will produce 595 kW (DC) 496kW (AC) through the 45,000 square foot system.

As part of Costco's long-term commitment to energy conservation and reduction of energy costs, the new system is expected to supply in excess of 725,000 kWh (AC) annually over an expected lifespan of 25 years. The solar system is expected to save more than $3.8 million in energy expenditures over the 25-year period. The clean energy produced by the solar system will eliminate an estimated 1,009,611 pounds of CO2 annually, which is the equivalent of planting 2,800 acres of trees over the 25 year life of the system.

By delivering a turn-key system, SunEdison simplified the implementation process, which includes engineering, permitting, metering and meeting other regulatory requirements. SunEdison built the system using Kyocera 200 Watt Modules, and a SatCon 500 KW inverter. Each manufacturer met stringent specifications set by solar services provider SunEdison.

Craig Peal, Assistant Vice President for Energy/Building Controls at Costco Wholesale Corp. said, "This solar roof gives us an important addition to the list of technologies available to us to reduce our purchases of electricity and reduce our impact on the environment." Costco continually searches for new ways to improve their performance in the energy area. This improved performance not only benefits their members and shareholders but the communities in which Costco operates and the environment as a whole.

According to Jigar Shah, CEO of SunEdison, "Costco has a true commitment to offering consumers the highest quality products at low cost. Key to that is controlling and managing every cost to assure the ultimate value is delivered to its customers. This solar power plant will enable Costco to realize the immediate benefits of reduced energy prices and long-term predictable energy pricing."

About SunEdison

SunEdison LLC is North America's largest solar energy services provider. The company simplifies solar for utilities, government agencies and commercial enterprises. SunEdison is based in Baltimore, Md. For more information, visit www.sunedison.com.

About Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco currently operates 504 warehouses, including 371 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 70 in Canada, 19 in the United Kingdom, five in Korea, four in Taiwan, five in Japan and 30 in Mexico. The Company also operates Costco Online, an electronic commerce web site, at www.costco.com and at www.costco.ca in Canada.

SOURCE: SunEdison LLC

For Costco Wholesale: Craig Peal, 425-313-8520 cpeal@costco.com or For SunEdison: Rob Wyse, 212-920-1470 rob@m1pr.com Copyright Business Wire 2007

SunEdison and SkyPower Join to Build 50 MW of Solar Power

BALTIMORE, MD, and TORONTO, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - SunEdison LLC, North America's
leading solar energy service provider, and SkyPower Corp., a leading
Canadian-based renewable energy developer, are pleased to announce the
completion of a joint venture agreement. SunEdison & SkyPower have joined
forces to develop, build, own and operate up to 50MW of solar photovoltaic
farms across Ontario. Construction of these solar photovoltaic farms in Canada
will drive immediate new job growth while generating carbon free renewable
energy. Common in the European market, only recently have solar photovoltaic
farms begun to see broader adoption in North America.
  SunEdison LLC is the only company to simplify solar by providing turn-key
solar energy services for utilities, government agencies, and commercial
enterprises. Under the turn-key services model, SunEdison finances, installs,
owns and operates photovoltaic power plants at the customer premise.
SunEdison's turn-key services model has been adopted by leading commercial,
government and utility customers such as Staples, the State of California and
Xcel Energy.
  SkyPower is Canada's leading independent renewable energy developer with
interests in over 27 wind and hydro projects at various stages of development
across 8 provinces, representing more than 7,000 MW of potential capacity.
SkyPower's strategy involves bringing a portfolio of renewable energy projects
from exploration phase through to construction and commercial operation and is
focused on being the largest owner and operator of renewable energy parks
across Canada. SkyPower also has over 1,000MW of wind energy under development
in India.
  Jigar Shah, CEO of SunEdison, said "This is an important cross-border
venture and represents a significant further expansion of SunEdison into the
Canadian market. We're excited that SunEdison and SkyPower are going to be
creating the largest solar photovoltaic farms in Ontario. Besides the
immediate new job growth from these projects, this opens the door for the
further development of renewable solar energy across Canada. We look forward
to the government's implementation of the standard offer so that project
development can begin."
  Kerry Adler, President & CEO of SkyPower Corp., commented: "We are
pleased to have established a joint venture with SunEdison, North America's
leading energy service provider for photovoltaic solar powered facilities. The
experience and expertise that SunEdison and their management team bring to
this joint venture will accelerate our plans and objectives to build North
America's largest solar photovoltaic farms. The Ontario government standard
offer contract provides a clear opportunity for these projects to become
realizable in the near term."
  Once the Ontario government's standard offer contracts are implemented,
the joint venture will be announcing the location of its first facility.