Suniva to power Georgia National Guard

NORCROSS, USA: Suniva Inc., a metro-Atlanta based manufacturer of high-quality, high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, today announced its Buy America-compliant modules will power the Department of Defense's military base in Savannah, Georgia.

The roof-mounted PV system will be located on the Georgia National Guard's Hunter AASF building and will produce approximately 160,000kWh per year. Installer, Solar Energy USA, expects the array to be installed and operational by the end of Q1 2014.

"This is one of several high-profile military installations that will benefit from Suniva's high-quality modules. Our Buy American-compliant modules continue to provide the DOD with a reliable, cost-efficient solar energy solution, helping to reach their goal of clean energy while strengthening the nation's energy independence," said Matt Card, VP, global sales and marketing of Suniva.

The decision for the Georgia DOD to go solar comes during a period of dynamic growth for the solar industry. In May of 2013, the Army established a new policy for 'Operational Energy,' which focuses on improving the Army's capabilities through better use of energy.

The total installed capacity of renewable energy sources for the US military will grow from 80 megawatts (MW) in 2013 to more than 3,200 MW by 2025 - increasing more than four-fold in 12 years - according to a report from Pike Research.