PHOENIX — REC Solar, a leading provider of home and commercial solar electric systems in the United States, today unveiled a 39-kilowatt installation at the Fresh & Easy Neighborhood market on Glendale Avenue in Phoenix. Local politicians and solar advocates were on hand at a flip-the-switch event, which celebrated the completion of solar systems REC Solar installed on Fresh & Easy stores in Arizona and California totaling nearly 536 kilowatts. The systems will produce 746,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually to meet approximately 20 percent of the stores’ energy production needs — equivalent to reducing 26 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, or eliminating 38 million miles driven by cars over the next 25 years.
"I am excited to see Fresh & Easy's commitment to sustainability, District 5 and the City of Phoenix. I especially appreciate their choosing a District 5 store for this renewable energy program and I applaud their corporate commitment to our environment,” said District 5 Councilman Claude Mattox. “This announcement today demonstrates once again that Phoenix and the entire state is becoming a leader in solar technology."
REC Solar installed roof-mounted solar systems on 10 stores throughout the greater Phoenix metro area, including stores in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Avondale, Arizona. The systems feature REC Peak Energy Series Panels, from global solar panel manufacturing leader, REC Group.
“Through participation in the SRP EarthWise Solar Energy Incentive Program, Fresh & Easy has become one of our greenest grocery store chains,” said Lori Singleton, Manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies. “More businesses in Arizona are seeing the value of investing in solar energy and we are proud to be a part of that.
”REC Group is proud to have supplied solar panels for this project. Fresh & Easy is a great example of how a company with vision can make a difference for everyone,” said Marius Kroksjø, the Regional Director USA for REC Group. “With selecting REC Peak Energy panels for their installations, Fresh & Easy shows that they have chosen not only a source of clean energy, but one that was produced with the lightest carbon footprint possible.”
Additionally, each of the 10 stores features an in-store display that reports real-time solar energy production at the store while explaining how solar systems work to store customers. On average, Fresh & Easy stores use 30 percent less energy than a typical supermarket. Fresh & Easy has also worked to reduce emissions and has the most currently certified stores through the EPA’s GreenChill program.
“Fresh & Easy’s commitment to the environment is not just about reducing our carbon footprint, but also about saving money that we pass on to our customers,” said Tim Mason, president and CEO of Fresh & Easy. “These solar panels will provide about 20% of our store’s energy needs at more than one-third of our Arizona stores.”
“Partnerships with innovative and forward-thinking companies like Fresh & Easy are critical to expanding the solar market in the United States and bringing solar into the mainstream,” said REC Solar CEO Angiolo Laviziano. “The projects as a whole demonstrate that a large number of smaller individual store rooftops can add up to significant operating savings.”
About Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market
Fresh & Easy operates 177 stores in California, Arizona and Nevada. In addition to wholesome, fresh prepared meals, meats and produce, Fresh & Easy offers everyone’s favorite national brand products and household items, all at unbelievably low prices. The grocer’s popular fresh&easy brand products contain no artificial colors, flavors or added trans fats and use preservatives only when absolutely necessary.
For more information about Fresh & Easy, visit www.freshandeasy.com. Also follow the company on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/freshandeasy and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freshandeasy.
About REC Solar
REC Solar is an industry leading solar power provider specializing in grid-tied residential and commercial installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the USA and thousands of kilowatts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products and outstanding customer service. REC Solar has more than a dozen offices in six states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Arizona and New Jersey). For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or call 1-888-OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527).
Source: Fresh & Easy