Wish Farms, is pleased to announce the completion of a large solar project at its Plant City headquarters.
“In many ways, farmers were the first environmentalists. They had to take care of the land, so it would take care of them,” said PR Manager Nick Wishnatzki. “We are proud to continue that tradition by utilizing a 21st century technology to make a difference for future generations.”
The entire project, which adds to an existing solar array, consists of over 2,100 panels covering 80,000 square feet of warehouse roof space and parking lot covers. Producing 1.6 Gigawatts (1,600,000 kilowatt hours) of energy per year, it is enough to power 117 Florida homes per year.
Wishnatzki: “Our warehouse facility has a large footprint with around 100,000 square feet of refrigerated space, so switching to solar is the right thing to do from an environmental perspective. Not only will it save 36,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, but there will also be a significant cost savings over the life of the system.”
Installed by Tampa based SEM Power, it is anticipated to cover 75% of the electrical use in the warehouse. The system also feeds nine electric car charging stations, as well as fourteen electric forklifts and pallet jacks.
“It feels good to think of how the process comes full circle. Berries are grown at our farms in the sun, and then they are cooled by the power of the sun.”