Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has partnered with REC Solar, a solar electric system provider in the U.S., to install roof-mounted solar systems on nine stores.
The systems is expected to generate more than 410 kW of solar energy. In total, the systems will produce an estimated 620,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, the equivalent of reducing 22 million pounds of CO2 emissions – or removing 28 million car-driven miles – over the next 25 years. Fresh & Easy stores already use 30% less energy than a typical supermarket.
“Fresh & Easy’s decision to become more energy independent is an example of why the Arizona Commerce Authority is focused, in part, on facilitating investment in the renewable energy sector and on job creation and training. Arizona has the potential to become the solar capitol of the world and lead the nation as solar demand continues to grow globally and intensify nationally,” said Don Cardon, president and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.
Fresh & Easy has invested in one of California’s largest solar roof-mounted installations on its distribution center in Riverside, Calif. The installation, which is more than 500,000 square feet, currently produces about one-fifth of the energy for the entire facility.
Fresh & Easy’s Web site features a live reporting feed from the solar installation at the distribution center, reporting in real time the performance of the panels (www.freshandeasy.com/greenbuilding).
“With the success of our solar panel installation on our distribution center, we’re confident these systems on our stores will help cut down on energy costs even further,” said Tim Mason, Fresh & Easy CEO. “Through innovations like these, Fresh & Easy has been able to cut back on the amount of energy and water we use, efficiencies that are better for the environment and help us keep our prices low for our customers.”
Installation of the REC Solar systems will begin in March 2011 at the following stores: Alma School & Elliot Chandler; Crismon & Guadalupe Mesa; Sossaman & Southern Mesa; Higley & Ray Gilbert; 107th Ave. & Thomas Avondale; 19th Ave. & Baseline Phoenix; 19th Ave. & Glendale Phoenix; 32nd St. & Greenway Phoenix; Camelback & 83rd Ave. Phoenix.
“REC Solar’s industry expertise has long helped major retailers nationwide realize their carbon cutting goals through the installation of solar systems, and we are excited to partner with Fresh & Easy in its ongoing endeavor to provide customers with a sustainable grocery shopping experience in a sustainable environment,” said Kam Mofid, president of REC Solar. “These installations serve as a model for other major retailers who wish to walk the talk when it comes to conservation and minimizing their environmental footprint.”
Fresh & Easy operates more than 150 grocery stores in California, Arizona and Nevada.
