SolarCity Completes Commercial Solar Power Installation for SpaceX

SolarCity, a provider of comprehensive solar solutions, has completed phase one of a commercial solar power system for Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX). The move marks the company's entry into the Southern California commercial solar market.
SolarCity installed an initial 29 kW roof-mounted solar array at SpaceX's El Segundo facility in only four-and-a-half days, and expects it will quadruple the system's size in subsequent stages. The SpaceX solar system uses unique patented hardware, which mounts quickly and requires no roof penetration.
Dennis Jones, facility manager of SpaceX, said that the SolarCity solar system is a practical, forward-thinking measure to help offset the company's power load. "Solar power is a clean, responsible and cost-efficient way for SpaceX to conduct operations," said Mr. Jones. "SolarCity's quality, low- impact installation quickly provided a return on our energy consumption, and reserved us the ability to scale-up afterwards," he said.
SolarCity is one of only a handful of solar providers worldwide actively installing non-penetrating roof mounts. "SolarCity's design engineers prepared a full seismic and wind load analysis to ensure that the system met city measures of El Segundo," said SolarCity's chief executive, Lyndon Rive.
"California is a leader in residential and commercial solar, and companies of all sizes are increasingly realizing that solar power makes a responsible, economical business decision," Mr. Rive said. "SolarCity will continue expanding its SoCal operations in the coming months to help service the growing pool of residential and commercial customers throughout the state and beyond."