LOS ANGELES-SolarWorld, the nation's largest manufacture of solar panels for 35 years, is partnering with Sustainable Power Group and Conejo Recreation and Parks District to build solar-powered carports at four public parks in Thousand Oaks. Together, the carports will have the capacity to generate 587 kilowatts of clean power, or 17.3 million kilowatt-hours in renewable energy.

“With this project, SolarWorld brings together its high-quality solar technology and top-flight engineering and construction talent with sPower's financing capacity to help CRPD meet its fiscal and sustainability goals,” says Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas. “The project also highlights a growing trend among US park districts. Long-time stewards of the environment, these organizations understand that solar power can also play a role in financial stewardship.”

SolarWorld is managing all phases of construction, design and engineering, and, together with sPower, has agreed to finance the project in exchange for a 25-year power purchase agreement, which will save CRPD $3.4 million. The carports will feature SolarWorld's 270-watt high-performance solar panels. To enhance the project benefits, CRPD chose to place the carports in its highest energy-consuming parks: Borchard Community Park, Dos Vientos Community Park, Thousand Oaks Community Park and Conejo Creek South Park.