January 17, 2007

Staples Installs Largest Solar Power System in New England

Staples has unveiled the largest solar power installation in New England at its 300,000-square-foot retail distribution center in Killingly, Connecticut. The solar power installation, built at no capital cost to Staples, was made possible through the collaborative effort of Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, which provided a $1.7 million grant for the project, and SunEdison, which financed the remaining costs of the project and designed and installed the system.

The 433-kilowatt DC commercial solar photovoltaic system is 1 ½ times the size of a football field, covering nearly 74,000 square feet of roof space. The solar power system has the capacity to produce enough energy to power 14 percent of the distribution center or 36 homes per year.

“The solar power system installed at our Killingly distribution center is part of Staples’ integrated strategy for a seven percent reduction in the company’s U.S. carbon emissions by 2010 on an absolute basis, starting from a base year of 2001,” said Mark Buckley, vice president of environmental affairs, Staples, Inc. Buckley added, “The solar power system is a win-win proposition for Staples and Connecticut. Through our relationship with solar services provider SunEdison, we’re able to purchase solar energy off our rooftop at a rate below or equal to the cost of electricity off the grid. This reduces our operating costs while freeing up more electricity during peak times for use by local homes and businesses.”

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