Wakefern Food, Keasbey. New Jersey, USA, and NJR Clean Energy Ventures (NJRCEV), a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, Wall, N.J., are working on installation of a rooftop solar system at the Wakefern refrigerated distribution center in Keasbey.
NJRCEV has invested $6.9 million to develop and install the state-of-the-art, solar array across the 300,000 square feet of rooftop. The system is being installed by Advanced Solar Products of Flemington, N.J., and is expected to be operational by December 31.
The 2.4 megawatt solar system will supply power to the frozen and refrigerated food facility, helping lower Wakefern's long-term electricity costs and its greenhouse gas emissions. The solar array is expected to produce nearly 2.9 million kilowatt hours annually, eliminating 2,000 metric tons of carbon-equivalent emissions from the atmosphere. This equates to removing the carbon dioxide emissions produced by approximately 390 vehicles.
"Wakefern has been committed to reducing its impact on the environment for more than thirty years," said Joe Sheridan, president and chief operating officer of the company, which supplies ShopRite supermarkets in six states. "Generation of renewable energy is a natural next step in our commitment to sustainable business practices. We are delighted to partner with NJR Clean Energy Ventures to bring the power of solar energy to our perishable warehouse in Keasbey."
"Together with Wakefern, we are making renewable energy and its benefits a greater piece of our energy future," added Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of New Jersey Resources. "As a leader in the energy marketplace, NJR Clean Energy Ventures continues to look for new opportunities in the solar market that are consistent with our core energy strategy to support job creation and benefit our customers, company and state."
