Shop-Rite unveils 276 kilowatt solar-power system

Keasbey, N.J. ShopRite announced Wednesday the installation of a solar-power system to reduce energy consumption and lower the environmental impact of its Garwood, N.J., store. This environmentally based renovation consists of the mounting of 1,024 solar panels -- each fixed to the roof of the store -- that will produce approximately 303,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to power in-store refrigeration and lighting. The new solar-panel system is expected to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 200 tons annually.

"This solar-panel installation allows us to build sustainable practices into our business while still providing quality service and comfort to our customers,” stated James Sumas, CEO of Village Super Market, which owns and operates the ShopRite of Garwood. "We recognize that our customers look for a shopping experience that not only offers them service and value but that also fulfills their desire to do what's right for the environment.  We will continue to look for new ways in which to reduce our environmental impact and to maintain an environmentally responsible store.”

The company tapped Rockaway, N.J.-based The Solar Center to install the photovoltaic system.