Suniva supplies solar power capability to Guantanamo Bay

NORCROSS, Ga., July 10 (UPI) -- Solar power use at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base has been enhanced through a contract awarded to Suniva Inc., a maker of photovoltaic solar cells and modules.

The company, based in Georgia, said it has supplied the U.S. base with its high-powered OPTimus modules and that a 700kW ground mount system, developed by World Electric Supply, will power the facility's Navy Exchange Building.

"Suniva is proud that our solar modules will help transform this high-profile naval base into a clean energy producing facility," said Matt Card, vice president of global sales and marketing of Suniva. "Suniva is the country's largest U.S.-born, U.S.-owned module manufacturer, so it's fitting that our modules were selected for another strategic military installation."

Guantanamo Bay Naval Base is the Navy's oldest overseas facility and is currently a detention site for terrorists and terrorism suspects. It has produced its own electricity since the 1960s but most has been the result of expensive importation of diesel fuel.

The base has recently been recognized in its efforts to produce power through solar and wind-turbine technologies.

Details of the contract were not disclosed.