FedEx Freight Distribution Center now sun-powered

FREDERICK, MARYLAND - FedEx Corp. and BP Solar announced the completion and activation of a second project together — a solar system for a FedEx Freight distribution center in Fontana, California.

The 269 kW (kilowatt) rooftop solar array utilizes BP Solar modules. The first joint system was inaugurated on Earth Day 2008 at FedEx Freight's facility in Whittier, Calif.

The 1,377 solar modules cover 20,834 sq. ft. on the Fontana facility's roof and can generate 370,551 kilowatt hours (kWh), or approximately 54 percent of facility needs.

The 282kW system in Whittier is capable of producing more than 414,000 kWh of electricity each year, providing almost 40 percent of the facility's annual energy needs and significantly reducing the service center's dependence on the electric grid. The two projects are expected to eliminate the release of more than 610 metric tons of greenhouse gas causing emissions.

"The FedEx Freight Fontana solar installation builds on our commitment to integrate energy-efficient and diverse technologies into our facilities and operations," said Douglas G. Duncan, president and CEO of FedEx Freight. "The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power and hybrids, is a valuable asset to help us reduce our environmental impact and diversify our energy sources."

BP Solar's commercial projects team is focused on assisting corporations, such as FedEx Freight, to lower their energy costs while lessening the impact of their operations on the environment. The company offers a variety of financing options for its business customers including power purchase agreements, leasing and traditional purchase plans.

"BP Solar is proud to help FedEx Freight improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy at its facilities," said Mary Shields, vice president of global sales and marketing for BP Solar. "More and more companies are finding that solar helps to reduce their emissions and saves them money over the long run, providing carbon-free electricity to meet their growing needs."

FedEx and BP work together strategically to identify, develop and implement a range of solutions to increase FedEx's security of energy supply, while improving its environmental performance.

"This is a great example of two leading corporations collaborating to deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits," said Richard Bartlett, BP vice president of strategic cooperation. "The Fontana solar installation, similar to the solar-powered FedEx facility in Whittier, Calif., launched in April, helps FedEx diversify its energy supply and enhance its environmental performance."

FedEx is committed to integrating the use of renewable technologies into its operations. FedEx Express built and operates a solar-powered hub in Oakland, Calif., that produces power equivalent to that used by more than 900 homes during the daytime.

FedEx will be adding solar to its Cologne, Germany hub when it opens in 2010. FedEx also operates the largest fleet of commercial hybrid trucks in North America, which improve fuel economy by 42 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30 percent and cut particulate pollution by 96 percent.