RGS Energy, the commercial and utility division of Real Goods Solar Inc., a nationwide leader of turnkey solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, and utility customers, has completed the installation of solar power systems at four Stop & Shop grocery stores in New York. These installations bring the total number of Stop & Shop stores with RGS Energy installed solar power systems to 32 in the Northeast.
There are an additional six stores with solar power projects underway in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, which RGS Energy expects to complete in 2013. These additional installations would bring the total number of Stop & Shop stores with RGS Energy installed solar power systems to 38, representing a total of eight megawatts of solar power.
“Stop & Shop’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability goals have made it one of the greenest grocery store chains today,” said Kam Mofid, CEO of Real Goods Solar. “The funding for these projects was made possible in part by programs like Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, which is driving the installation of solar PV systems across the state. Going solar provides commercial businesses economic benefits, as well as supports job growth and has a positive impact on the environment.”
Stop & Shop’s total solar presence is estimated to produce approximately 8.4 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually. This is the equivalent of reducing 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 1,273 cars or powering more than 730 homes yearly (according to the EPA calculator).
“These solar installations demonstrate Stop & Shop’s commitment since 2008 to reducing our carbon footprint by 20% by 2015,” said Arlene Putterman, manager of public and community relations for Stop & Shop’s New York Metro Division. “By choosing solar energy, Stop & Shop is demonstrating that it’s possible to consume this energy while supporting clean energy technologies and being a good corporate citizen. This initiative is part of Stop & Shop’s Responsible Retailing commitment and the promise to be a better neighbor by caring for the environment and the communities we serve.”
These latest installations also reflect how the combination of new solar financing options, state and federal incentives, and declining system costs are making it easier for Northeast and New England homeowners and businesses to embrace solar energy. With solar energy becoming more affordable in the region, Real Goods Solar announced in February a major expansion of its presence in New York, including Long Island and New York City.
— Solar Builder magazine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.