Ricoh Electronics is planning to install solar panels on the roof of its headquarters in Tustin, California, which would save the company $56,000 per year, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and follow suit with two of its buildings in Japan.

When finished in 2011, the energy generated will supply one-tenth of headquarters' energy needs, the company announced, also noting its three decades worth of environmental contributions.

"Installation of this system is a natural extension of Ricoh's continued focus on developing and implementing environmental protection activities that lead to prevention of pollution and more efficient use of resources," according to Yoshinori Yamashita, company president.

SPG Solar will manage the project, which will include almost 1,000 silicone crystal solar panels, a perfect fit for Southern California's large amounts of sun exposure. Federal and state incentives will help defray 60 percent of what the solar panels cost. Ricoh will make up for expenses in less than six years.

"It is commendable that Ricoh Electronics, Inc. has continued their commitment to building such a sizable system," said Tom Rooney, chief executive officer and president of SPG Solar. "At SPG Solar, we rarely come across a client that is willing to take so many steps to show such a serious commitment to sustainability. That Ricoh Electronics, Inc. has done so is very impressive."