Electronics Recycler Completes Solar Installation

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Vista Solar recently completed a 234-kilowatt commercial solar installation for AER Worldwide, a global electronics recycler and independent distributor of electronic components headquartered in Fremont, Calif.

Since its inception in January 1996, AER has been committed to protecting the environment through reuse and proper recycling of electronic waste, according to company officials.

“Installing solar made both ethical and business sense for AER Worldwide,” a statement from the company said.

The new, commercial-scale solar installation at AER’s Fremont, Calif., facility will offset more than 99 percent of the company’s current electricity bills and result in an expected savings of $80,000 per year. Combined with escalating electricity costs, the company expects the system to save more than $3.9 million over the next 25 years.

The roof-mounted system comprises 1,027 SunPower 228W modules and a 225kW SatCon inverter. It will generate about 361,819 kWh per year, which equates to the usage of approximately 50 homes, planting 6,511 mature trees, removing 259 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or burning 29,349 fewer gallons of gasoline, according to the statement.

The system is set to provide AER with electricity to process and recycle electronic waste for at least 25 years.