As we close out 2010 we would like to thank all of you for a great, memorable year. We spent the past year building communities on Facebook, Twitter and here on this blog and we’re grateful for such a responsive, receptive audience to help us change the way the world is powered.

Back in April, we launched our Facebook page and Twitter account as the main channels to distribute solar information and communicate directly with SunPower customers and solar enthusiasts. Starting with 0 fans and followers, we’ve reached 4,275 fans on Facebook and 842 followers on Twitter in a mere eight months. Best of all, we’ve been blown away by how much information you have to share and your passion for solar. We started with a goal of creating informative, relevant conversations and to that end, you’ve made our jobs very easy. With your support, we’ve educated even more people on the key role of solar in our sustainable future. Most importantly, you have shown us how much you love your SunPower systems and given us crucial feedback on what you would love to see more of from SunPower.

We want to thank all of you for making this happen and we’ll continue to provide valuable information, updates on community installations, and of course, fun solar facts! Also, let us know what you would like to hear about more in 2011 from us by simply writing on our Facebook wall.

Finally, we’d like to thank those of you who joined us on Facebook to support and spread the word about the Make an Impact campaign. Because of your efforts, and on your behalf, we have donated $8,500 to the SunPower Foundation to support non-profit solar projects across the globe. Thank you to the 3,570 of you who liked SunPower on Facebook and made your impact in spreading solar.

From all of us at the SunPower social media team, have a happy holiday season and best wishes for the New Year!

Sincerely,
The SunPower Social Media Team
(Belis, Matt, Joanne, Kevin & Leslie)

In 2007, we began our partnership with Sierra Nevada when the brewing company commissioned the first phase of what would become one of the U.S.’s largest private solar installations. Hosting over 2,228 SunPower panels and producing over 1.9 MW of power for the brewery, the installation was a key leap forward in Sierra Nevada’s company goal to 100 percent sustainable energy production. Coupled with an existing 1 MW fuel plant, they are able to provide the majority of its electrical energy needs with clean power produced on-site - and share surplus electrical energy with the California power grid! We’re proud to partner with a company so dedicated to a clean energy future. If you have not had a chance to visit this sustainable yet fun brewing facility, you can learn more and take a virtual tour of the installation by watching the video below!

Today, our partnership continues with two special programs designed specifically for Sierra Nevada employees and consumers:

Unplug Solar Program
As part of their commitment to solar, Sierra Nevada partnered with us to provide their consumers (you!) with a way to reduce their carbon footprint and save on electricity bills through the use of renewable energy generated from solar. In addition to Federal, State and local solar rebate incentives, the Unplug Solar Program provides an additional rebate of up to $1,500 on the purchase of a SunPower solar system. Click here to find more details on the Unplug Solar Program.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Employee Solar Program
Sierra Nevada further extended its commitment to renewable energy by partnering with SunPower on a special program designed specifically for Sierra Nevada employees. With the program, we wanted to enable employees to save on electricity by providing an additional rebate of up to $1,750 on the purchase of a SunPower solar system, in addition to Federal, State and local solar rebate incentives. Click here to learn more about how Sierra Nevada Employee Solar Program works.

Is your company also interested in providing discounts to its employees on SunPower panels? If yes, then get in touch with us at affiliate.solar@sunpowercorp.com or call us at 1.877.779.7496.

As we approach the holiday season, we want to share a recent solar project that demonstrates SunPower’s commitment to the local communities in which we conduct business - all over the world. Last weekend, the SunPower Korea team, joined by Edison Solitec (SunPower Authorized Installer), SMA Solar Technology Korea, and Habitat for Humanity Korea installed a residential installation in Yangpyeong, South Korea to benefit a local family.
The installation was a donation from SunPower, working through the SunPower Foundation, to Habitat for Humanity Korea’s 2010 New Hope Project, which aims to provide low-income families with homes. In addition, Edison Solitec donated construction services in building the installation, and SMA Solar Technology Korea donated a portion of the inverters used for the system. The entire project was a truly global effort well-aligned with the spirit of Habitat of Humanity. The install was completed in two days and will provide electricity for eight households living in these two buildings.
As Gi-Nam Jeong, team manager of the Habitat for Humanity’s project in Yangpyeong, pointed out, “Energy bills account for a large portion of the budgets of low-income families, so we hope this unique solar gift will shine a light on the issue of affordable housing and encourage other businesses to support this worthy cause.” Check out the Habitat for Humanity site to learn how to support projects like this around the globe by donating your time or your money. See below for photos of our SunPower Korea team installing the SunPower solar panels, and stay tuned for more photos coming to our Facebook page: