Google Installs Sharp® Solar Electricity System, the Largest Commercial System in the U.S.
Sharp announced that it has provided solar modules for the largest commercial solar electricity system in the U.S. to date, recently installed at Google’s corporate headquarters in Mountain View, California. In addition to roof-mounted arrays, the system also features a new structure that encompasses two carports under which employees can park – and if they drive a plug-in hybrid, recharge – their cars.
"Sharp shares a common goal with Google, which is to create products and technologies that benefit society and improve consumers’ lives," said Ron Kenedi, Vice President of Sharp’s Solar Energy Solutions Group. "With this system, Google is setting an example for other corporations as to the tremendous environmental and financial benefits of solar energy. But even more so, Google is demonstrating that solar electricity is just like regular electricity, and it can power anything – from computers and copiers to servers and hybrid electric cars."
Sharp provided 9,212 208-watt modules for the project, which was designed and installed by EI Solutions of San Rafael, California. The 1.6MW system is designed to feed into Google’s overall operations, reducing the amount of electricity the company purchases from its local utility. The system utilizes almost all available roof space on the Googleplex campus.
To continue spreading the message that solar electricity is no different than electricity from a utility, Sharp is currently in the midst of a unique awareness campaign that is designed to demystify solar electricity for consumers. Components of this "Hello Sunshine" campaign appear in newspaper ads, internet search results and web page banners – even a colorful education trailer that is traveling from town to town throughout California this summer to increase awareness and understanding of solar electricity.
