Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital plans to install a solar energy system in early 2009 that will supply about 50 percent of the hospital's power needs, officials announced today.

The 736-kilowatt system, designed by SPG Solar Inc., will include elevated solar panels in an employees parking lot and a ground-mounted tracking system on nearby property to follow the sun throughout the day.

San Mateo-based Tioga Energy will finance, own and operate the system, while Sutter will purchase the power.

Sutter Auburn Faith will be the first facility within Sutter Health to install a solar energy system.

Hospital officials said the new system will provide savings on energy costs and more predictable rates than the sometimes volatile energy market.