Challenging economic times may not seem like ideal conditions in which to make a major investment, but that’s exactly what Annabelle Candy Company, Inc. did. One of the largest independently owned candy bar manufacturers in the United States, http://us.sunpower.com

1. Challenging economic times may not seem like ideal conditions in which to make a major investment, but that’s exactly what
Annabelle Candy Company, Inc. did. One of the largest independently owned candy bar manufacturers in the United States,
Annabelle Candy saw the long-term savings solar power offered as a hedge against rising electricity costs and a way to reduce
its utility budget.
Annabelle Candy turned to a highly recommended solar developer, Vista Solar. Vista Solar put forth a design capable of offsetting
90% of the candy factory’s electricity expenses and recommended SunPower® PowerGuard® Solar Roof Tiles in order to meet
those production targets. With PowerGuard, Annabelle Candy can not only achieve their energy targets, but also enjoy better
climate control for the whole factory because of the tile’s R-10 insulation factor. In the first year, the resulting energy savings will
exceed $136,000—the equivalent of 180,000 candy bars. Over the next 25 years, their new solar system will save Annabelle
Candy approximately $6.5 million. With sunlight powering the factory as of December 2011, Annabelle Candy can focus more
of its budget on its employees and making great candy.
ANNABELLE CANDY INVESTS IN SOLAR FOR LONG-TERM SAVINGS
PROJECT OVERV IEW
Location: Hayward, CA
Completed: December 2011
Installation Type: Roof
System Size: 438 kW
PV Surface Area: 25,000 ft.2
Number of Panels: 1,424
Product(s): SunPower PowerGuard®
Solar Roof Tiles
BENEFITS
• Offsets over 90% of the factory’s current
electricity expenses
• Saves Annabelle Candy approximately $6.5 million
over the 25-year life of the system
• Expected to produce 646,855 kWh in its first year of
operation, which is enough energy to power 92 homes
• Reduces Annabelle’s carbon footprint by eliminating
the burning of 52,462 gallons of fuel a year
CASE STUDY
sunpowercorp.com

2. VISTA SOLAR HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Going solar is a significant investment and one that many companies might
put off in a difficult economy. However, Annabelle Candy saw an opportunity
for long-term cost savings if they were presented with the right project. Vista
Solar’s strong references and deep history of solar projects clearly demonstrated
that they were the right partner for the job, and Vista Solar created a finan-
cially attractive proposal that included SunPower products, state and federal tax
incentives, and additional roof work. The outcome is a project delivering an
undeniably high value. Said President and CEO of Annabelle Candy, Susan
Karl, “With the financial challenges we currently face in this economic environment,
we feel fortunate to have found a way to offset our operating costs and help
conserve our precious resources, while continuing to provide jobs for our won-
derful employees.”
SUNPOWER TILES PROTECT ROOF, GENERATE ELECTRICITY
Vista Solar recommended SunPower® PowerGuard® Solar Roof Tiles for the
project because it could meet solar energy output targets while protecting and
insulating the building’s roof. Additionally, the PowerGuard solution allowed
Vista Solar to install a higher-capacity system than a standard ballasting
system would have allowed. The non-penetrating, flat, lightweight solar tiles
install securely and protect the roof from harsh weather, UV exposure, and
thermal cycling. And regulating the building’s temperature is a key benefit for a
candy maker because a cooler interior helps ensure uninterrupted production of
Annabelle Candy’s chocolates and sweets during the hot summer months.
UTILITY PAYS ANNABELLE CANDY
On time and on budget, the installation of Annabelle Candy’s 438 kW solar
system was completed in December 2011. In April 2012, the solar system
produced so much electricity that the local utility had to pay Annabelle Candy
for the first time ever. This is just the start of the savings that the system will
provide. Over the next 25 years, the system is projected to save Annabelle
Candy more than $6.5 million. At the same time, the solar electricity that it
produces will offset the burning of over 52,000 gallons of fuel, demonstrating
the company’s commitment to a cleaner environment. For Annabelle Candy, the
courage to invest during a difficult economy has been good for both business
and the environment.
“Vista Solar has totally met our expectations.
The installation was very smooth. They stayed
in touch. They were always here. They came
in on time, and they came in on budget.”
Susan Karl
President/CEO
Annabelle Candy Company, Inc.