CalCom Solar, a company specializing in design-build solar projects for agribusinesses and water districts, has installed a new 2.2-MW solar power system at D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of Calif., a premier grower, packer and shipper of quality fruits and vegetables, in Salinas, Calif.
“CalCom Solar had the technology and knowledge that helped solar energy work for us, both operationally and financially,” said John D’Arrigo, President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of D’Arrigo Bros. “Solar deployment enhances our business and sustainability goals: it’s a crucial resource that makes great environmental and economic sense, enabling us to reduce our energy costs while improving the bottom line.”
By deploying 2.2 MW of solar power, D’Arrigo Bros. serves as an example to the entire agricultural sector. This new solar power system, outfitted with NEXTracker’s advanced trackers, will generate 4,320,600 kWh annually. D’Arrigo Bros. will significantly lower operational costs annually on utility bills. The system will help D’Arrigo hedge against future utility rate increases, delivering more than $20 million in utility savings over the next 25 years.
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The project received its permission to operate from PG&E on April 28, 2016 and is the largest customer-owned net metered solar power project in Monterey County.
“By installing solar, our operational and financial efficiency practices will improve tremendously – as we’ll 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&E’s Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEMA) program, which makes it possible for D’Arrigo 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.
— Solar Builder magazine
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