Affordable Solar Installs 102kW on two Kroger grocery stores



ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 16, 2011 -- Affordable Solar has installed the first two solar systems for The Kroger Co. on the roofs of Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Inc., a division of Kroger.  These projects are part Kroger's solar pilot program deployed in three states across the country.


"The Affordable Solar team has worked proactively with Kroger and Smith's, to help them achieve this milestone," said David Hughes, President and CEO of Affordable Solar.  "We are proud of this achievement and look forward to the opportunity for a long-term, fruitful relationship with Kroger as part of its continuing effort to reduce its energy costs and its environmental footprint."

The Kroger Co., one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Kroger's division based in Salt Lake City, Utah, are committed to contributing to the communities they serve by promoting fiscal as well as environmental responsibility and awareness. Since 2000, The Kroger Co. and all of its brands have worked proactively to reduce energy consumption in their stores by 30%. The solar pilot program illustrates their continued commitment to energy savings and environmental sustainability.

Affordable Solar designed and installed 102kW rooftop solar electric systems on two Smith's stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Affordable Solar worked with each store's staff to minimize disruption to store operations during installation.  Each installed solar system consists of 442 high-quality solar panels manufactured by Canadian Solar that convert sunlight directly into electricity.  The solar panels are properly secured on store roofs by using UNIRAC and Schletter manufactured, ballasted mounting systems that avoid roof penetrations.  As part of this effort, Affordable Solar employed National Roofing, a well-respected, local roofing installation company to ensure that all proper measures were taken to protect the roof, maintain the roof warranty, and ensure the roof longevity.   The electricity flows from the solar panels on the roof to commercial-grade inverters manufactured by PV Powered.  The inverters convert direct-current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that is used by each store.   The stores remain connected to the utility grid which provides the balance of electricity needed by them.

Each store's solar system will generate over 160,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually and provide significant savings in energy costs.  Additionally, this locally generated, clean energy will avoid approximately 120 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The two solar projects further benefitted the local community by employing local subcontractors and vendors from various construction trades at a time when traditional construction work has been at a low. PNM's (local utility's) solar incentives, the New Mexico sales tax exemption, the 30% federal tax credit and the accelerated federal and state depreciation applicable to solar installations have helped Kroger satisfy its strict return-on-investment benchmarks required for project approval.  PNM's solar incentive program enables the utility to purchase renewable energy credits for energy generated by solar systems connected to its grid. This program helps the State of New Mexico meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires the state's utilities to supply a certain portion of energy on the grid from solar and other renewable energy sources.

About The Kroger Co.:

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,449 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 785 convenience stores, 359 fine jewelry stores, 1,035 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

800.810.9939

» Get A Commercial Quote » Apply For Project Financing

Why Solar?

Solar for your business, school, or government facility can mean free energy and a new revenue stream while protecting you against rising and unstable energy costs.

» reduced utility costs

Utility costs are expected to rise over the next 5 to 10 years. Solar is a secure investment that reduces your exposure to rising energy prices.

» protect against energy volatility

Solar energy allows you to predict your energy costs, insulating you from dramatic swings in utility rates. A solar power system gives you an absolute value in your financial planning.

» tax incentives and rebates
Federal and local rebates can reduce your initial costs by 50% or more.
Business Energy Tax Credit
  • Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Utility
  • Amount: 30% for solar
Modified Accelerated Costs-Recovery System (MACRS)
  • Incentive Info: Investment can be depreciated 100% in one year. Effective only in 2011.
Talk to us about local utility, city, and state incentives in your area.
» point of difference

Much of the power we currently use comes from coal-fired and natural gas power plants. Solar energy not only reduces your operating costs but can be a powerful marketing tool and strong public relations statement.

» reliability

With very few moving parts, a solar installation operates reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance. Most solar panels have a guarantee of 25 years and a life expectancy of over 30 years.