As the cost of energy escalates and more people become aware of the environmental damage traditional fossil-fuel generated energy does to the Earth, the interest in alternatives to traditional energy sources has also escalated. Increasingly, businesses are looking to reduce their reliance on the power grid to both save money and meet sustainability goals.

Vista Solar, Inc., a Santa Clara, California-based solar PV integrator has announced a new client: Airdrome Orchards, Inc. in San Jose, California. Vista recently completed a 305 kW solar system at the family-owned citrus packaging facility, says the company in a press release.

Airdrome Orchards, which has been in business since the 1950s, credits its longevity to its adaptability. Owner John Fumia emphasizes that Airdrome's “ability to evolve and diversify our operation over the years has contributed greatly to our success.” Evolving and diversifying are two of the goals the farm has with its new solar panel installation. The installation is expected to offset approximately 90 percent of the packinghouse's current electricity bill. The system will offer an estimated savings of over $101,000 in the first year alone. The investment is expected to save Airdrome more than $3.5 million over the warranted life of the solar panels.

The entire system is made up of 952 SunPower modules and three Satcon inverters. It will produce 477,953 kWh of power in its first year of operation. This is expected to reduce Airdrome's carbon footprint by approximately 330 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the same amount of electricity consumed by 68 homes – and will eliminates the burning of 38,763 gallons of fuel. The system will not only continually offset Airdrome's carbon footprint; it will offset the facility's electricity costs for at least 25 years, say the companies.

Vista Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Valley Microelectronics, Inc. (SVM), has continued to expand its commercial solar business. Since 2007, the company has completed over 65 installations throughout Northern California.

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