Coast Citrus Distributors, a wholesaler of fruits and vegetables in the United States and Mexico since 1950, is proud to announce the completion and operation of a 432 kilowatt (kW) roof-mount solar energy system on its Union City, Calif., facility. This is the most recent addition to the company’s solar portfolio, which includes a 1.1 megawatt and 655 kW roof-mounted system on its Los Angeles and San Diego facilities, respectively. Borrego Solar Systems developed, designed and built Coast Citrus’ systems.
Together the systems are expected to generate approximately 4.1 million kilowatt-hours of energy annually, which will significantly reduce Coast Citrus’ energy costs.
“After deciding to move forward with solar on our San Diego headquarters in 2015, we were convinced that it was the right economic decision for all of our facilities,” said Coast Citrus Chief Financial Officer Isabel Freeland. “It simply makes sense for us, given our large warehouse buildings with open flat roofs, the amount of energy we use and the nature of utility rates in Southern California. Solar aligns with our aim to improving the value we provide for customers and being a more sustainable organization.”
Coast Citrus financed each of its solar projects with operational leases with Farmers and Merchant Bank. The lease enabled the company to go solar without paying any upfront costs and realize cost savings as soon as the system began operating.
“Coast Citrus’ facilities’ energy needs made solar an ideal choice for lowering its operational costs,” said Kyle Kearney, VP of project development—Western region for Borrego Solar. “It’s use of ripening rooms, freezers, refrigerators and packing machinery, use a lot of energy, making rising, volatile energy rates a risk factor for the growing company. With solar, Coast Citrus is able to reduce the amount of energy it needs to buy from the utility and minimizes its exposure to increasing energy costs while it continues to expand operations.”
Throughout the term of the lease, the system is expected to generate enough emissions-free, clean energy to offset nearly 3,300 tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of offsetting emissions from 8 million miles driven or the amount sequestered by more than 3,800 acres of U.S. forests.
About Coast Citrus
First established in 1947, Coast Citrus Distributors (also known as Coast Tropical) has developed a solid reputation in the produce business. Mr. Robert Alvarez started the Company by selling oranges out of a truck parked along the side of 5th Avenue in downtown, San Diego. Today, Coast Citrus Distributors has become an international fresh fruit and vegetables importer, exporter and distributor with locations in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Florida, Texas, Mexico, Central and South America.
In May 2010, shortly after Mr. Robert Alvarez’s death, the Employees of Coast Citrus Distributors acquired approximately 70% of the company under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This fulfilled his dream of keeping the company running for those that worked it.
About Borrego Solar
Established in 1980, Borrego Solar Systems Inc. is a leading engineer, developer, installer, financier and operator of commercial solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems in the United States with more than 400 MW of installations constructed. Borrego Solar is a market leader nationally with the largest market share in California, Massachusetts and New York. The company’s mission is to solve the world’s energy problems by accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. Its people are committed to excellence in every aspect of solar design, construction and operation. For more information, visit www.borregosolar.com.
