Watsonville Coast Produce in conjunction with The Solar Company has completed the installation of a 739.2 kW solar power system at its agricultural distribution center at Watsonville in California.
Watsonville Coast Produce - Watsonville, CA. (PRNewsFoto/The Solar Company)
Watsonville Coast Produce is known for its traditionally grown produce that is certified to be grown organically. The company has been in business for 35 years and its warehouse located in the most fertile regions of California is spread across 44,000 sq. ft. and accommodates refrigeration space of 450,000 cu. ft to help retain the freshness of produce stored in nearly 700 pallets. Ft3
Proprietor Gary Manfre of Watsonville Coast Produce wanted to reduce the energy expenditure incurred mainly from refrigeration. Solar power appeared to be the best solution to cut down overhead costs, resulting in savings that could be ploughed back in the business.
The 739.2 kW solar power facility consists of 2400 SunPower panels. The environmental impact of this switch to sustainable energy generation can be compared to the removal of 150 automobiles off the road. The plant generates sufficient electricity to fulfill 100% of Watsonville Coast Produce‘s energy requirements. The expected annual savings in the first production year is $120,000. Savings of $1,770,367 is expected to be realized in 10 years.
The positive initiative by Watsonville Coast Produce was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 28.
Source: http://www.coastpro.com/
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