United Natural Foods to Employ Solar Power in Rocklin, CA (1.19 MW PV system)

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR836.htm

United Natural Foods, Inc. is to install a 1.19 megawatt solar power system that will cover 175,000 square feet of rooftop at the Company's 487,000 square foot distribution facility in Rocklin, CA. To develop and install the new solar power system, the Company contracted with American Capital Energy, a Massachusetts-based firm specializing in solar power project integration.

Construction of the Rocklin solar power project began in July 2007, with the power-generating panels expected to be in operation by the end of summer of 2007. The Rocklin solar power system will utilize more than 7,000 Sharp 170 solar modules, two SatCon 500 kW inverters and the Unirac S-5 mounting system for a non-penetrating and low-profile installation.

When completed, the solar power system is expected to provide an average of approximately 1,500,000 kWh annually of clean energy production at this facility, which is the equivalent of powering 140 average American households for a year, and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 19 metric tons annually. According to industry statistics, the solar power system is believed to be the fourth largest solar array in California and the sixth largest in the United States.

Michael Funk, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This solar power system is yet another example of United Natural Foods' commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives. Further, it is especially gratifying to work towards protecting the environment while at the same time improving our infrastructure to enhance efficiencies and lower costs. It's truly a win-win situation where everyone benefits."

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