The solar array, designed and installed by REC Solar, represents the latest step in Nestlé Purinas commitment to being a leader in environmental performance and sustainability. U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, a native of Flagstaff, led a dedication ceremony at the plant, where nearly 1,900 glistening solar panels span over 70,000 square feet on the rooftop.
The solar array will take advantage of Arizonas average of 300 days of sunshine annually to produce emission-free solar electricity. This Nestlé Purina solar project is good for the environment, good for the community, and good for business, Rep. Gosar said. Its an excellent example of collaboration between private industry and federal and state entities, with long-term benefits for all stakeholders. Its encouraging to see major companies like Nestle Purina working hard to produce their products in an increasingly environmentally responsible manner.
The 427-killowatt solar PV system will produce nearly 12 million kilowatt hours of clean, emission free solar electricity over its lifetime, said Cary Hayes, Director of Business Development for REC Solar. This production volume offsets over 16 million pounds of greenhouse gases, equivalent to planting more than 40,000 trees.
REC Solar is one of the oldest and largest national solar integrators in the country, operating in six states. In addition to installing the Flagstaff solar array, REC partnered with Purina for the 2008 installation of a solar array at the Nestlé Purina Denver pet food facility, the nations first major pet food plant to pilot a solar energy array.
