The 200 MW of SunPower solar panels will make up around 80% of the solar power capacity needed for the utility's solar PV programme.

During the next five years, SCE plans to install, own and operate 250 MW of solar capacity, most of it on otherwise unused large warehouse rooftops.

"The anticipated benefits of this agreement with SunPower include panel costs that will allow us to meet our commitment to increasing our customers' supply of renewable energy while reducing the cost of installed solar photovoltaic power in California," says SCE President John R. Fielder.

The SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile product integrates a solar panel, frame and roof mounting system into a single unit, reducing installation time and costs.