Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) announced the installation of its UNI-SOLAR ground-mounted amorphous thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels to power the 1.1 Megawatt solar energy system at Paramount Farms, the world's largest vertically integrated supplier of pistachios and almonds.
The installation, which spans 8 acres, is one of the largest single-site, privately-owned solar energy systems in the U.S. SolarCraft, one of the most experienced solar energy contractors, completed the installation.
James R. Metzger, Interim President and COO, noted: "While the industry recognizes Uni-Solar as a premier provider of solar modules for integrated rooftop system modules, the new Paramount Farms ground-mounted array design showcases the advantages of Uni-Solar products to address the market for ground-mounted installations. We are very proud to have been chosen by SolarCraft."
"SolarCraft chose the Uni-Solar product for this project based on the high production performance in very hot, dusty and low-light environments, as well as the capability for SolarCraft to design a virtually indestructible and theft-proof ground-mounted solar energy plant," said Chris Bunas, Vice President of SolarCraft.
"This is a perfect product in the Calif. valley agricultural industry and many other areas that we are currently looking at. We look forward to a continued relationship with Uni-Solar."
This solar system enables Paramount Farms to generate enough clean electricity each day to power 300 average homes. The new system will spare the air nearly 2,600 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually. Over the next 30 years, the air pollution saved will be equivalent to driving over 176 million miles. The system will pay for itself in approximately 6 years.
