Wakefern DC to get new solar system

WALL, N.J. — Wakefern Food Corp. has partnered with NJR Clean Energy Ventures, a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, to install a rooftop solar system at a Wakefern Food Corp. distribution center in Keasbey, N.J. The 2.4 megawatt solar system will supply power to a refrigerated warehouse, helping lower Wakefern’s long-term electricity costs and its greenhouse gas emissions.

“Wakefern has been committed to reducing its impact on the environment for more than thirty years,” said Joe Sheridan, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp. “Generation of renewable energy is a natural next step in our commitment to sustainable business practices. We are delighted to partner with NJR Clean Energy Ventures to bring the power of solar energy to our perishable warehouse in Keasbey.”

The solar array is expected to produce nearly 2,900,000 kilowatt hours annually, eliminating 2,000 metric tons of carbon-equivalent emissions from the atmosphere.

NJRCEV will invest $6.9 million to develop and install the state-of-the-art, solar array across the 300,000 square feet of rooftop. The system will be installed by Advanced Solar Products of Flemington, New Jersey and is expected to be operational by Dec. 31, 2012.

Wakefern Food is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, comprised of 47 members who individually own and operate nearly 250 supermarkets under the ShopRite banner in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. In 1996, Wakefern introduced PriceRite stores, extending the company’s reach into Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Today, there are 49 PriceRite stores in six states. In addition, Wakefern also distributes products to other supermarkets throughout the northeastern United States and Bermuda.