Stellar Energy, a subsidiary of Itochu International, has completed a 483 kW solar energy project for Valley Fine Foods, the producer of the Pasta Prima brand of pasta products, in Benicia, Calif. The installation is expected to produce enough energy to offset more than one-third of the total energy needs of the food producer.
The new solar system's estimated first-year output is 682,178 kWh of electricity, according to Stellar Energy, which coordinated the installation of the 2,100 Yingli photovoltaic solar panels, optimizing all usable space on Valley Fine Foods' 8,800 square-foot roof.
The system uses a special type of rack for mounting that minimizes roof attachments and prevents water leaks, the company adds. It also includes an SMA Sunny Central 500 kW inverter and an Internet-based monitoring system to measure performance.