Produce Distribution Center Goes Solar

installed a solar power system on its roof that will save the company more than $100,000 in the first year alone, the company announced this week.

The 739.2kW solar power system on their agricultural distribution facility will help the company be a more sustainable business through renewable energy.

Watsonville Coast Produce has been in business for over 35 years as a recognized full-line distributor of conventionally grown and certified organically grown produce. Their 44,000-square-foot warehouse boasts nearly 450,000 cubic feet of refrigerated space, ensuring that the nearly 700 pallets of fresh produce generally stored is kept at its freshest for customers.

With so much needed refrigeration, owner Gary Manfre was looking to reduce his energy costs in a big way. Solar seemed like the perfect way to reduce his overhead costs and use the savings to invest back into his business.

The 739.2kW system consists of 2,400 SunPower panels and will generate enough electricity to cover 100 percent of Watsonville Coast Produce's usage.

"We anticipate saving nearly $120,000 within the first year of production,"  Manfre said in a prepared statement.

The system was installed by The Solar Company.

—PR Newswire