Mitsubishi Electric US Inc. has installed a 369kW solar electric system on the rooftop of its U.S. headquarters in Cypress, Calif. The system will significantly cut energy costs and reduce pollutants over the next 25 years.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation was founded in 1921 and manufactures a diverse line of products, including building photovoltaic (PV) modules, automation equipment, escalators and elevators, and heating and cooling products. One of the most experienced in the solar industry, Mitsubishi Electric has manufactured solar panels for more than 40 years. Its solar modules are known in the industry for reliability, durability and as one of the first to be built with lead-free solder.

The 1,380 module Mitsubishi Electric PV system was installed at its headquarters building, located within Warland Investment Company’s Cypress Business Park, using 690 Diamond Premium and 690 Diamond Pro high-efficiency PV modules. The system can produce 547,865kWh within the first year of production – the equivalent of covering the electricity needs of 56 homes. The system can save the company 85 percent in electric costs, which totals $2 million over the next 25 years. Based on current electricity usage, the system is expected to cover 90 percent of the Mitsubishi Electric facility’s electricity needs, allowing the system to pay for itself in less than five years.

In addition to the significant financial savings, the system is expected to reduce greenhouse emissions by an estimated 424 tons annually, which is the equivalent of preventing 122 tons of waste from going into landfills.

The system was designed and installed by Sherman Oaks based installer Sun Integration. It includes 10 Yaskawa – Solectria Solar PVI 36TL transformerless, three-phase string inverters along with non-penetrating racking by PanelClaw. The ballasted racking combined with Mitsubishi Electric’s reliable, safe modules were key to obtaining a quick approval of the installation by all parties including building owner, Warland Investment Company.

“This project marks the first solar array on a Warland property,” said Chip Robertson, co-managing director of Warland Investments Company. “We believe this installation of Mitsubishi Electric’s premium quality solar panels demonstrates our commitment to creating Cypress Business Park as a premier location.”

“Mitsubishi Electric is pleased to contribute to the community and environment by producing clean energy with our own solar modules,” said Kiyoshi Furukawa, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US Inc. “The system proves that businesses can be both environmentally and financially sustainable.”