REC solar energy has contracted with cold storage solutions and logistics company Arctic Cold for a 3.3 MW rooftop solar system at its new location in Santa Maria, California.
The Santa Maria facility primarily provides cold storage for fresh and frozen fruit distributed to regional food service providers and mass retailers. The ballast-mounted solar system will offset approximately 83% of the facility’s energy needs.
Arctic Cold expects energy savings of $850,000 in the first year, with a power purchase agreement structure that provides protection against future energy price increases. The food industry continues to grow, increasing demand for fresh, perishable goods, even as supply chains are increasingly strained. Because facilities operate 24/7 to prevent food spoilage, energy is one of the largest costs for cold storage.
“We know that cold storage facilities require a lot of energy. Arctic Cold sought to offset these costs and we were more than happy to offer a future-proof solution,” says James Presta, business development manager at REC Solar. “Arctic Cold is setting a standard for the cold storage industry by optimizing the design of their facilities with energy savings and future growth in mind. We look forward to building on this relationship and working together to set an example of the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy for high-energy industries such as food storage and processing.”
This location is also designed to enable future integration of a battery energy storage system. Arctic Cold also maintains renewable energy credits. Arctic Cold is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for the Santa Maria facility.
“Arctic Cold has a unique history of leadership and long-term experience in the cold storage industry and our investment in sustainable facilities demonstrates our commitment to future-proofing our business,” said Tim Dayton, president and CEO of Arctic Cold. “As we continue our efforts to build new, state-of-the-art facilities, keeping energy costs low and protecting against future volatility will be critical. Working with REC Solar will help us find creative, long-term solutions for Arctic Cold and its customers.”
The project plans to use local union workers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to support construction at the Santa Maria site. The built-to-scale facility represents a low energy footprint for a traditionally energy-heavy industry and sets a benchmark for cold storage development.
News item from REC Solar
