Mitsubishi Electric Modules installed at Sierra Aluminum Company in Fontana, Calif.

The state-of-the-art system at Sierra Aluminum is comprised of 4,488 Mitsubishi Electric 180 watt modules and 2 SatCon 500 kW inverters. The system performance will be monitored by Pacific Power Management's proprietary web accessible, SolarWatch™ for real-time production measurement. Shayne Seever, Vice President of Administration for Sierra Aluminum Company stated, “Sierra Aluminum Company strongly believes in sustainable energy and the responsible use of it. Over the years we have invested in many projects to reduce our energy usage and our impact on the environment. This solar power system is one more example of that commitment. We are especially pleased to be able to almost completely power one of our manufacturing plants with green energy. In fact, aluminum extrusions manufactured locally by Sierra Aluminum are on the roof of this building supporting the solar panels which include extrusions that contain over 40% recycled material.”

The cost of the system's installation will be partially offset with $1.7 million in solar rebates from Southern California Edison and is expected to generate 1.4 million kWh per year; meeting approximately [60-70] percent of the total energy requirements of Sierra Aluminum’s manufacturing plant. The high-performance system will help reduce Sierra’s carbon footprint by displacing over 48 million pounds of carbon dioxide and provide enough power to supply 2800 homes over a 25-year period. ”It’s a very positive sign to see a company like Sierra Aluminum thinking about its impact on the environment and demonstrating its commitment to the planet by using solar energy” says Gina Heng, General Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Photovoltaic Division.

Kelly McMahon, Director of Sales for Pacific Power Management said “There are many companies like Sierra Aluminum throughout the state that will soon be required to lower their carbon emissions due to California’s AB32. Solar power is the answer to this issue and Pacific Power Management is currently working along with SCE to assist other Southern California companies to achieve this goal.”

With energy costs skyrocketing, the solar installation will help Sierra Aluminum reduce its costs for the primary manufacturing and extrusion facility. When the plant is not operating and the solar system generates more electricity than Sierra is consuming, the excess electricity is diverted back onto SCE’s electric grid. PPM simplifies the entire process of buying solar power with a long?term Power Purchase Agreement and comprehensive project and facility management. The host customer can buy power at a lower rate than from their utility company; have immediate savings, and the ability to eventually own the system with no upfront cost.

"Our ability to finance these solar power plants enables us to build a steady pipeline of successful projects throughout California. This solidifies our commitment to provide clean energy for many years and to continually build strong relationships with our host customers," said Mark Frederick, Managing Partner for Pacific Power Management. PPM has recently completed over 3.6 MW within their Power Purchase Agreement program. By summer of 2009, PPM will have nearly 6 MW of completed solar power plants within their PPA portfolio. This will bring PPM’s total installed base to over 11MW.

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About Pacific Power Management, LLC

Pacific Power Management, LLC (PPM), is a power company that develops, finances, owns and operates power plants which provide solar power to our host customer sites through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). We offer our customers clean power by harnessing the energy from the sun. We offset their Carbon footprint, reduce their energy independence, provide forecastable pricing, and enhanced sustainability without any upfront cost. www.papcpower.biz

 About Sierra Aluminum

Sierra Aluminum Company is a full service manufacturer of standard and custom aluminum extrusions. In addition to producing extrusions, we also cast our own billet, paint, anodize, fabricate, cut to length, thermally break, label, stencil, and barcode. We certify our extrusions to meet ASTM specifications and will ship product across the street or across the country. We take full responsibility for providing our customers with a quality product, shipped on time, at a competitive price. Sierra offers a full range of fabrication processes including but not limited to precision cut to length and detailed CNC machining. Sierra is a privately owned ESOP company providing stability, financial strength, and a commitment to our customers. For more information visit www.sierraaluminum.com or call (877) 743-7722.

About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic Division

Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar power technology, including PV cells, modules and inverters. The company’s eco-friendly photovoltaic systems are used throughout the world to bring clean, reliable energy to residences, business, power generation plants, schools, factories and areas without access to electricity, as well as other applications such as highway and stadium lighting. In the United States, Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic panels are marketed by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., and sold only through authorized distributors and installers. For more information visit www.mitsubishielectricsolar.com or call 714.220.2500.