Following the recent completion of a 1.5-megawatt (MW) solar energy system at a Staples distribution center in Hagerstown, Maryland, the world’s largest supplier of office products is now the largest host of solar energy generation in the state.

When combining this newest installation with a 1-MW solar energy system at Staples’ Hanover Maryland Center, the company is now expected to produce nearly 60 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar clean energy over the next 20 years. That is enough juice to power the equivalent of 5,500 average U.S. homes for a full calendar year. Mark Buckley, Vice President of environmental affairs for Staples, says this latest installation solidifies the company’s commitment to sustainability.

“This latest solar power system installment at our Hagerstown fulfillment center demonstrates Staples’ ongoing dedication to sustainable business. Working with SunEdison for solar power requires no capital investment and no operating or maintenance expense for Staples, provides power at or below the price for grid power, and helps us meet our environmental goals.”

SunEdison, a solar energy project developer and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE:WFR), financed and built the latest Staples solar installation. Staples and SunEdison began working together in 2005 when Staples launched its solar power program, through which the company has installed over 30 solar energy systems at its facilities nationwide. That does not include the solar energy installation atop the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, most widely known as the home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. The partnership with SunEdison kicked-off, in fact, in California when SunEdison financed, built and installed a 1.1-MW solar energy system that sits atop a Staples distribution center in La Mirada, California.

In Maryland, just as in California, Staples will purchase the power produced by the solar energy system from SunEdison through a long-term power-purchasing agreement (PPA). The rate has not been disclosed, but it will be less than market value since Staples has provided the space to host the installation.