May 8, 2008

Foster City, CA, USA: SolarCity Completes Solar Installation at eBay Campus

SolarCity, California's leading provider of solar power systems, has completed the largest commercial solar power installation in San Jose on eBay's North campus. The 650 kilowatt (kW) installation -- including 3,248 individual solar panels -- spans 60,000 square feet on multiple buildings.

eBay's New Solar System Installed by SolarCity

The system will be unveiled later today in a ceremony to recognize eBay's first building built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED gold standard. SolarCity also announced a solar power benefits program for eBay employees. The SolarCity program can allow eBay employees to switch to clean, solar power for less money than it costs to remain on utility-based electricity with the SolarLease financing option, and also includes a discounted cash-purchase option.

"I was pleased that SolarCity was the first company to accept my challenge to offer San Jose residents a $0-down option for solar power, and now I'm delighted that they've teamed with eBay on the city's largest commercial solar installation," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "Efforts from companies like SolarCity and eBay are helping San Jose become a leader in developing clean technology and adopting clean power, reducing our dependence on expensive, polluting energy sources."

SolarCity estimates that over the next three decades, eBay's solar system will offset 37 million pounds of carbon dioxide; the equivalent of planting 322 acres of trees. SolarCity also estimates that solar-generated power will save eBay approximately $100,000 in electricity costs within its first year of operation.

As with all SolarCity installations, the eBay system includes SolarGuard™, SolarCity's advanced solar monitoring system that measures and reports critical performance data to guarantee effective energy production over the system's lifetime.

"While many companies talk about environmental responsibility, eBay is 'walking the walk' with a multi-faceted commitment to clean power and green building," said Lyndon Rive, SolarCity's chief executive officer. "Our managed solar installation will allow eBay and its employees to measure their collective, positive impact on the environment, and we hope eBay's employee program can serve as an example for other companies to follow as more and more businesses and residents seek affordable, clean power alternatives."

Further details: SolarCity