Ralphs Grocery Co., a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., has installed a new solar project at its automated distribution center in Paramount, Calif.
The new project represents Kroger’s largest solar facility to date. Featuring more than 7,000 solar panels, the 2 MW AC installation will generate 4.28 million kWh of clean power each year, representing approximately 50% of the center’s total electricity needs.
The 555,000-square-foot building provides products to 190 Ralphs stores and 95 Food 4 Less stores throughout Southern California.
“Ralphs is constantly exploring energy efficient technologies and renewable energy options that are respectful to our environment and the communities we serve,” says Mike Murphy, president of Ralphs. “These sustainability investments demonstrate to our customers and other valued stakeholders our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.”
The company’s supply-chain team partnered with Affordable Solar on the installation, with support from Southern California Edison and the City of Paramount.
The installation in Paramount is one of three at Kroger’s supply-chain facilities, with earlier installations completed at the Fred Meyer distribution center in Clackamas, Ore., and the Smith’s Food and Drug distribution center in Layton, Utah. Kroger has also installed solar at multiple stores. In 2018, Kroger’s wind and solar projects produced a total of more than 14.59 million kWh of renewable power.
