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 IEWLocation: 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

BENEF ITS

• 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

VISTA SOLAR HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDGoing 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 ELECTRICITYVista 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 CANDYOn 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 KarlPresident/CEO

Annabelle Candy Company, Inc.