At a time when clean energy and water sources are critical to the health of our planet, SunPower and the Surfrider Foundation are jointly empowering U.S. homeowners to create a more sustainable future.

Through this new partnership, Surfrider Foundation members can reduce their carbon footprints with solar, while locking in low electricity rates, and protecting oceans, waves and beaches around the world.

As part of the program offered by SunPower and the Surfrider Foundation, eligible Surfrider Foundation members and supporters can receive a $500 mail-in rebate on the purchase or lease of a high efficiency residential solar energy system from SunPower. Along with the rebate, SunPower will donate $1,000 to the Surfrider Foundation for each system installed.

"We are excited to offer our members an easy, affordable way to save on their energy bills with solar through this partnership with SunPower," said Chad Nelsen, Surfrider Foundation CEO. "There is a direct connection between our energy use and the health of our ocean, so using the sun's renewable energy just makes sense."

In addition to helping homeowners offset carbon emissions, high efficiency SunPower solar panels deliver 70 percent more energy from the same space during the first 25 years as compared to conventional solar panels. This means customers can enjoy greater benefits from their solar panels for a longer period of time.

"SunPower offers better control of electricity costs with the world's highest efficiency solar panels, which are manufactured with the Earth in mind every step of the way as part of our holistic corporate sustainability program," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO.

"We look forward to enabling Surfrider Foundation members and supporters to generate their own clean electricity with solar, and supporting the organization's valuable environmental initiatives."