As utilities work to derive a bigger portion of the the electricity generated from clean sources, they are increasingly working with companies to augment the supply of solar power. This week, SunPower announced it has won a contract with an Arizona-based utility to supply 11 megawatts of solar panel system technology. 

Tucson Electric Power will use the photovoltaic equipment from SunPower for its Bright Roofs program. According to executives from the company, it will use SunPower's technology to install, own and operate multiple solar panel systems on leased rooftop space on schools and other large buildings in metropolitan Tucson.

In total, the photovoltaic arrays will generate enough clean energy to supply over 1,800 homes in the region with clean energy; they will connect directly to neighborhood distribution circuits where the rooftops are located, said TEP president Paul Bonavia. Moreover, the photovoltaic systems will help Tucson residents to slash their greenhouse gas emissions.

"SunPower's high-efficiency solar technology will allow us to produce more power per installation, but it is also cost-competitive, easy to install and low maintenance," affirmed Bonavia. "Underutilized rooftops will be used to generate emission-free energy for our community, helping us achieve our renewable energy goals."