Horizon Lines, Inc., the United States' leading domestic container shipping and integrated logistics company, announced that Horizon Logistics, LLC, served as a lead logistics provider for SunPower Corp. during installation of North America's largest solar photovoltaic energy system.
The 14-megawatt solar energy system installed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada has been fully operational since December, generating approximately 25% of the total power used at the base, where 12,000 people live and work.
SunPower's proprietary solar tracking system, which follows the sun throughout the day and delivers up to 30% more energy than traditional fixed-tilt ground systems, will generate more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually. The project was jointly managed and financed by the U.S. Air Force, MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, LLC (NYSE: MMA), Nevada Power Company and SunPower.
During installation in late 2007, the Aero Logistics critical delivery division of Horizon Logistics managed the importation of raw materials from Canada and the delivery of solar panel assemblies from Berkeley, Calif., to Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas. Aero's operations experts collaborated with engineers from Powerlight (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SunPower) to ensure Powerlight's customized panel racking system could be transported securely on flatbed trailers provided by Aero. To complete the project, Aero moved between 5-10 flatbed loads per day for over three months. Aero has provided ongoing support of the project, including the provision of local warehouse capacity in Las Vegas and the expedited delivery of critical parts and spares as needed.
"The Nellis Air Force Base project is a prime example of the U.S. military's commitment to clean energy," said Brian Taylor, President of Horizon Logistics. "We're proud to have played a part in its development. Our Aero Logistics team lived up to our mission to solve the toughest supply chain challenges with the highest quality customer service."
