(CORRECTED Oct. 29) Poindexter Nut and Cenergy Power have started construction on a 1.1-megawatt solar power system at the walnut huller’s new processing facility in Selma, Calif.
The solar photovoltaic system is expected to save Poindexter Nut $6 million in energy costs over 25 years, according to a news release.
It is designed to generate more than 1.7 million kilowatt hours annually, offsetting 65% of the plant’s power needs. The project is anticipated to cover 115,000 square feet of roof space, and provide another 15,000 square feet of structures that will double as shade for employee parking spaces.
The 150,000-square foot expansion includes 54,000 square feet of new cold storage. The upgrades give the company enough capacity to process more than 140 million pounds of walnuts. Other elements include a processing line, laser and electronic sorting machines, pasteurization and packaging machinery, and loading docks.
The project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, according to owner Mike Poindexter.
Cenergy Power has offices in San Diego and Merced.
Note on correction: The original story misstated the size of the expansion.
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