The 15,000sq ft system was installed by Rosauers Supermarkets as part of their overall sustainability initiative, which also includes the adoption of recycling, reclamation, reusable bags, high-efficiency lighting and refrigeration, and local suppliers.
The rooftop array is comprised of 638 Uni-Solar PVL-144 panels and covers approximately sixty percent of the grocery store’s roof.
The Rosauers Hood River system was completed under the state’s Feed-in Tariff Pilot program, which is administered by local utilities under the auspices of the state Public Utilities Commission, and which is designed to provide a reasonable return on investments in solar-power generation systems.
The clean, renewable energy that is produced by the system is enough to power eight average-sized homes.
The company estimates that over its 25-year warranted life, the Rosauers Hood River system will keep 3,645,098 pounds of CO2 from entering the environment, the equivalent of eliminating 2.5 million automobile miles, or the environmental benefit provided by 72,902 trees.
Solar Nation CEO Paul Hodge said the Rosauers Hood River solar-electric system will cut carbon emissions and reduce demand on the local utility, improving the environment for everyone.
