It comes as no surprise that Google would take the leap into committing to solar power in a big way. This week the company announced plans to install a total of 1.6 megawatts (MW) onsite at its headquarters, which calls for more than 9000 solar panels to grace the tops of Google's roofs and parking lots at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California.

"When the project is completed this spring, Google employees, shareholders and the community around us will begin to enjoy the environmental as well as economic benefits of clean, renewable energy generated onsite," said David Radcliffe, vice president of real estate at Google.

Most of the panels will be placed on the rooftops of some of the buildings in the Googleplex, while the other solar panels -- doubling as shaded parking -- will be part of newly constructed support structures in existing Google parking lots. All of the panels are provided by Sharp Electronics.

"We are pleased to be working with EI Solutions to undertake this major initiative to bring green energy to the Google campus," said Radcliffe. EI Solutions is the systems integration arm of Energy Innovations, Inc.

"It is a distinct pleasure to be involved with a company such as Google, which is committed to investing in alternatives to traditional fuel sources," said Andrew Beebe, president of EI Solutions.

"Their understanding that solar electricity can provide tangible environmental benefits in an economically sound manner should be a model for other companies in California and throughout the U.S."

Ron Kenedi, vice president, Solar Energy Solutions Group, Sharp Electronics, said, "We are particularly delighted with the extensive use of Sharp's cutting-edge technologies in this project as they're a natural match for companies looking to effectively generate green energy."

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