Stemilt said its most southern location, Chinchiolo Stemilt California (CSC), received approval from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to implement the Net Energy Metering 2.0 (NEM2) solar program, which allows solar customers to earn credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The project will add approximately 3,000 solar panels across 4 acres at CSC’s location in Stockton, Calif., where it grows, packs and ships cherries.
Customers in the NEM2 solar program receive credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid when producing more energy than can be consumed. Stemilt said that while NEM2 has transitioned to NEM3, its California project has been grandfathered into NEM2 for 20 years.
“At CSC, we are committed to producing high-quality fruit and also being responsible stewards of the environment,” Erick Stonebarger, general manager of CSC, said in a news release. “We’re proud to launch our solar panel installation project, a major step in reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices. By harnessing the power of the sun, we’re ensuring a greener future for our community, our business and future generations.”
This is the second solar initiative for Stemilt and its first 100-solar-panel installation in Wenatchee, Wash. The company said these projects are part of its Responsible Choice program, which began in 1989 to develop sustainability initiatives.
“Our decision to move forward with the NEM2 solar program wasn’t just a business decision,” Stonebarger said. “It’s about our responsibility to the environment. With this project, we’re making a lasting impact by significantly reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability. The savings we’ll realize in the coming years are not only financial but also environmental, and we are excited about the positive change this will bring.”
Stemilt said the project is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete from the time it selects a contractor to final sign-off. The 4-acre array will be housed on the northwest side of CSC’s main facility and is scheduled for completion in 2025. Stemilt estimates the solar panels will offset 2 megawatts of electricity as well as CO2 and other emissions. Stemilt estimates the equivalent emissions to be driving 197,403,176 miles in a car, removing 640 cars from roads for 24 years or planting 994 acres of trees.
“The environmental impact of this project is incredibly rewarding,” Stonebarger said. “Over the next 25 years, our solar panels will offset the emissions equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road and will help reduce harmful pollutants like NOx (nitrogen oxides) and SOx (sulfur oxides). This is just the beginning of our commitment to renewable energy, and we’re proud to make this long-term investment in a cleaner future.”
