The solar panels are expected to save Agilent $3.5 million in electricity costs in their first 10 years of operation. In addition, Agilent anticipates that the panels will offset over 50 million pounds of carbon emissions in the next three decades. That's the equivalent of taking 4,200 cars off the road, the company says.
Keith Morgan, Agilent director of environmental, health, safety and security, noted that "using high-efficiency solar technology maximizes the return on our investment and minimizes the environmental impact of our operations."
SunPower, a Silicon Valley-based solar equipment company, is responsible for designing and installing Agilent's system. The company's T5 Solar Roof Tile combines solar components into one pre-engineered unit, easing installation. And because the efficient panels in the T5 system are angled at five degrees, SunPower says, electricity generated per square meter is twice that of a flat-mounted system.
The project "reinforces our commitment to clean, renewable solar power and protecting the environment," said Agilent's Morgan.
