Intel Corp. today announced plans to install solar photovoltaic (PV) installations at eight U.S. locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Oregon. The computer chip maker also announced it will increase the amount of clean power it purchases in the form of renewable energy credits (RECs) to more than 1.4 billion kilowatt hours — an amount equal to over half its 2010 electricity needs.

“Intel is committed to renewable energy to reduce our own carbon footprint as well as to spur the market and make renewables more economically feasible for individuals and businesses to deploy,” said Brian Krzanich, vice president and general manager of Manufacturing and Supply Chain for Intel. “These announcements represent our broader commitment which includes diversifying our energy portfolio through solar and other clean energy investments, and this will continue to be a priority for us around the globe.”

If all goes according to plan, the eight solar installations will be completed over the next seven months. Together, the new solar projects represent about 2.5 megawatts of generation capacity; separately, each project would rank among the 10 largest installations in its respective region if connected to the grid today. The largest of the bunch, a 1-megawatt solar farm in Folsom, California, will cover nearly six acres and will be one of the largest ground-mounted systems not owned by a utility.