CalCom Solar, a leader in design-build solar projects for agribusinesses and water districts, has installed a new 2.2 MW solar power system at DArrigo Bros. Co., of CA, a premier grower, packer, and shipper of quality fruits and vegetables, in Salinas, CA.
"CalCom Solar had the technology and knowledge that helped solar energy work for us, both operationally and financially," said John DArrigo, President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of DArrigo Bros. "Weve always put our strong sustainability ethic into practice; harvesting the suns power to generate electricity is consistent with our goals. Our business evaluates and assesses technologies and investments to ensure optimal quality and efficiency and were always making thoughtful improvements across our entire operation. Solar deployment enhances our business and sustainability goals: its a crucial resource that makes great environmental and economic sense, enabling us to reduce our energy costs while improving the bottom line."
"We're very proud to be working with DArrigo Bros. a leading grower to provide them with clean, reliable, affordable solar electricity," noted Dylan Dupre, Vice President, Business Development at CalCom Solar. "For over nine decades, DArrigo Bros. has continually strived for excellence. By deploying 2.2 megawatts of solar-power, DArrigo Bros. serves as an example to the entire agricultural sector. Their new solar power system, outfitted with NEXTrackers advanced trackers, will generate 4,320,600 kWh annually. DArrigo Bros. will significantly lower operational costs annually on utility bills. The system will help DArrigo hedge against future utility rate increases, delivering more than $20 million in utility savings over the next 25 years."
The project received its permission to operate from PG&E on Thursday, April 28, 2016 and is the largest customer-owned net metered solar power project in Monterey County.
In addition to the financial savings, the system will also help in California's efforts to mitigate climate change. This project will significantly reduce CO2 emissions the equivalent of avoided emissions from not driving 7,282,000 miles per year. "By installing solar, our operational and financial efficiency practices will improve tremendously as well be able to reduce our peak electrical demand," noted Steve De Lorimier, Vice President, Northern District. The new solar PV array is interconnected under PG&Es Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEMA) program, which makes it possible for DArrigo to offset many farm meters with one solar PV system. CalCom Solar is installing NEXTracker technology in this array, an innovative self-powered tracking technology aligned with CalCom's focus on helping agricultural customers increase their energy yield while lowering costs.
