From the Wires
Perpetual Power Completes 1MW of Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems at Limoneira Company
Jun. 30, 2009 11:06 AM
Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. and Perpetual Power (P2)
have announced the completion of four solar-powered deep water wells at
Limoneira Company’s Ducor Ranch. The four solar 250kW AC arrays include
single-axis tracking systems which are expected increase power output of
each array by 15% by maximizing the amount of sunlight collected by the
panels.
When operating at full capacity, the 6,400 ground-mounted,
high-efficiency photovoltaic panels can generate 1MW of AC energy for
the Limoneira Company, which grows and processes lemons, avocados,
oranges, specialty citrus, pistachios and cherries on its orchards in
Santa Paula, Calif. Limoneira’s solar electric system is expected to
produce 2,300,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Perpetual Power, a San Francisco-based company, designed and installed
the four 250kW AC solar electric systems for Limoneira Company. “Using
solar energy to irrigate Limoneira’s orchards was a perfect compliment
to their existing 1MW solar array. The four new solar systems not only
save the company money, they keep the air clean, which is very important
to the whole community of Santa Paula,” says Mark Palamountain, founder
of Perpetual Power.
The four 250kW AC solar systems replace fossil fueled-powered water
pumps and provide enough electricity to offset the annual electricity
use equal to 230 average US households. This new 1MW system complements
Limoneira’s existing 1MW solar orchard installed in October 2008,
supplying the company with a total of 2MW AC of solar power.
“We believe that sustainable business practices are the key to a healthy
future and we’re proud to add another megawatt of solar power to our
property in Santa Paula, Calif.,” said Harold Edwards, Limoneira's
president and CEO. “We’ve found that doing the right thing often yields
positive financial results in the long run as well.”
The solar system is owned by a third-party company, which allows
Limoneira Company to purchase the electricity for an average of
$0.08/kWh, more than a third less than California’s average retail
electric rate of $0.12/kWh. The solar arrays are not only good for the
environment, they are expected to save the company $200,000 annually by
lowering its overall electric rate and demand charges.
“Limoneira Company has really proven to be a leader in its industry by
installing more than 12,000 modules in less than a year to power its
facilities and irrigate its orchards,” said Gina Heng, director of sales
and marketing for Mitsubishi Electric& Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic
Division.
About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic
Division
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and
providers of solar power technology, including PV cells, modules and
inverters. The company’s eco-friendly photovoltaic systems are used
throughout the world to bring clean, reliable energy to residences,
business, power generation plants, schools, factories and areas without
access to electricity, as well as other applications such as highway and
stadium lighting. In the United States, Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic
panels are marketed by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., and
sold only through authorized distributors and installers. For more
information visit www.mitsubishielectricsolar.com.
About Perpetual Power
Bay Area-based Perpetual Power (P2) is organized to build, install and
support solar electric generators that deliver best-in-class production.
The company’s objectives include enhancing the triple-bottom line of
their customers. P2 uses the LEED process to design, manage and deliver
projects working with customers who share their interest in their
approach to solar generator deployment. For more information visit www.p2solarsolutions.com.
About Limoneira Company
Since its founding in 1893, Limoneira has been a key player in
California’s storied agriculture industry, and today grows lemons,
avocados, oranges, specialty citrus and nuts on its 7,000 acres and is
one of the largest growers of lemons and avocados in the United States.
The company is also a sustainable community builder. Its recently
approved East Area I master planned development contains homes, schools,
sports fields, assisted living, retail and light industrial uses. For
more information, visit www.limoneira.com.
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