April 23, 2003 - Frito-Lay's SunChips factory in Modesto, Calif., is living up to its name - the facility has installed a five-acre solar field to provide power for its manufacturing operations.

The new solar concentrator field includes 192 solar collectors comprised of 54,000 square feet of concave mirrors designed to absorb sunlight. The solar energy captured by the system generates steam to heat the cooking oil used in the SunChips manufacturing process. (The use of steam in the manufacturing process also helps the facility cut its consumption of natural gas.)

Frito-Lay partnered on the project with the California Energy Commission, which provided funds for research and development, and American Energy Assets, a provider of energy management solutions.

Earlier this month, SunChips launched a new ad campaign touting its solar energy efforts - a "natural fit," according to Gannon Jones, VP of marketing for Frito-Lay North America. "By highlighting renewable energy, the brand hopes to inspire consumers to take their own small steps,” he says. (For a consumer's-eye view of the solar-powered Modesto plant, visit the company's website.)

The first half of the solar collection system is now up and running. The entire system is expected to be operating by July.