“Kroger’s newest solar installation is another responsible choice that supports our sustainability goals. We will continue to explore energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy options that are protective to the Southern California environment and communities we serve across America.” Erin Sharp, Kroger Group VP of Manufacturing
Erin Sharp, Kroger Group VP of Manufacturing
The Scenario
Kroger sought to cut energy spend at the La Habra Bakery and find more ways to deliver on its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan. The plan aims to end hunger in local communities and eliminate waste across the company by 2025. Leveraging emissions-free renewable energy is crucial to Kroger spending less on electric bills and putting more investment into communities.
The Solution
REC Solar installed nearly 3,000 solar panels on the bakery’s 300,000-square-foot rooftop. The bakery operates 24/7 in order to supply 303 Ralphs and Food 4 Less grocery stores with baked goods every day, making it important to minimize disruption. Also, the numerous vents and other equipment previously installed on the rooftop presented a unique challenge. Tapping the latest technologies allowed for cost-effectively dividing the solar into 51 sub-arrays. This is the second installation that Kroger has done with REC Solar; the first was a 496kW rooftop solar installation at the Fred Meyer distribution center in Clackamas, Oregon.