LEED® certification is used as a mark of quality and achievement in green building. Product selection and energyoptimization both play important roles in certification. SunPower® E‐Series and X‐Series solar panels manufactured inMexicali, Mexico provide the best return on your investment when it comes to earning LEED points for your projectbecause they are Cradle to Cradle™ certified at the Silver level.
Recent empirical studies show that green commercial buildings have:1
‐ 2‐17% higher resale value
‐ 5.8‐35% higher rental rates
‐ 0.9‐18% higher occupancy rates
‐ 30% lower operating expenses
‐ 5.9% higher net operating income
The US Green Building Council, the governing body of LEED, recognizes Cradle to Cradle certification as a distinguishingmark for products. SunPower solar panels are the first solar panels to be designated as Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver,demonstrating SunPower’s leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable product design. Further, thepackaging materials are recyclable or reusable, reducing construction waste.
Only 40 points are required for Basic LEED Certification, and a SunPower solar system with Cradle to Cradle Certified™solar panels can contribute across several credit categories. On a typical project, a solar system contributes 5 points,and using Cradle to Cradle™ certified products and reducing construction waste can yield an additional 9 points. On a$20Mn project seeking LEED Basic, 14 points are worth $90,000.2
The LEED for Homes program applies similar sustainable building principles to the residential sector. Studies have shownthat green homes sell faster and at higher prices.3 LEED for Homes recognizes the use of healthy products and localenergy production, making SunPower a great fit to contribute points.
A complete list of relevant credit categories, where a SunPower system directly contributes, can be found below forLEEDv4, LEED for Homes, and LEEDv3.
