REC Solar has contracted with cold storage solutions and logistics company Arctic Cold on 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 fruits distributed to regional food service providers and big-box retailers. The ballast-mounted solar system will offset roughly 83% of the facility’s energy needs.
Arctic Cold anticipates first-year energy savings of $850k, with a power purchase agreement structure protecting against future energy price increases. The food industry continues to expand, driving an increased demand for fresh, perishable goods even as supply chains face increasing strain. With facilities running 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 out to offset those expenses, and we were more than happy to offer a future-proofed solution,” said James Presta, business development manager at REC Solar. “Arctic Cold is setting a standard for the cold storage industry by optimizing their facility design 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 for high-energy industries like food storage and processing.”
This site has also been designed to accommodate future integration of a battery energy storage system. Arctic Cold is also maintaining renewable energy credits. Arctic Cold is pursuing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification for the Santa Maria facility.
“Arctic Cold has a unique history of long-term leadership and experience in the cold storage industry and our investment into sustainable facilities speaks to our commitment to future-proofing our business,” said Tim Dayton, Arctic Cold President and CEO. “As we continue our efforts to build new, state-of-the-art facilities, keeping energy costs low and guarding against future volatility will be critical. Partnering with REC Solar will help us identify creative, long-term solutions for Arctic Cold and its customers.”
The project plans to employ local union labor from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to support construction at the Santa Maria site. Built to scale, the facility represents a low-energy footprint for a traditionally high-energy industry, setting a benchmark for cold storage development.
News item from REC Solar
