Suntech Power Holdings Co announced today that it has been selected to provide solar panels for a 1 MW solar power system that will supply the North Face’s West Coast distribution center in Visalia, California with electricity.  EI Solutions will handle the installation itself, using RayTracker(TM) GC single-axis solar trackers.

According to the EPA, this will reduce North Face’s carbon emissions by 1,300 metric tons each year, the equivalent of taking 250 cars off the road or saving 11 acres of forest.  The system will be designed on top of a storm water retention area location on North Face’s property. The retention function of the area will be preserved, allowing for dual use of the land and saving North Face from having to install a new drain system.

Suntech’s president Roger Efird commented on the deal, saying "We are very pleased that Suntech solar modules have been selected for this project and value our association with the quality of The North Face Brand. We look forward to our collaboration with EI Solutions and Recurrent Energy on the innovative design and installation of the project."