The largest retailer-owned, wholesale grocery distribution center in New England soon will boast New Hampshire’s largest rooftop solar array. The installation of a 1,292-kilowatt DC rooftop array has begun on Associated Grocers of New England, which will soon be powered by 3,400 solar panels, making it the Granite State’s largest rooftop solar array built to date.
The array is being installed by Brentwood-based ReVision Energy, an employee-owned solar company, and is expected to generate more than 1,454,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy every year, offsetting 2.2 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually. This is equivalent to planting 17,000 tree seedlings or removing 224 cars from the road.
AGNE, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is committed to its sustainability journey.
“Supporting the communities we serve has always been an integral part of who we are and that includes operating in an environmentally conscientious way,” said Mike Violette, AGNE president and CEO. “Just about a year ago, former board member Tom Bradbury inspired us to establish a committee of bright associates to focus their passion for sustainability on making green awareness initiatives a priority. I don’t think any of us anticipated that the group’s first venture would be one of this magnitude, but we couldn’t be prouder of all that they’ve accomplished thus far. We are thrilled to partner with ReVision Energy on our solar journey, as well as continue to explore additional eco-friendly developments within our organization.”
The committee coined itself Associated Grocers Green Awareness, or AGGA, and have focused on a variety of initiatives. Rooftop solar was by far the most ambitious but also most rewarding.
“It has been an honor to be part of the AGGA committee and make this great initiative a possibility here at AG,” said Tommy Coyle, marketing media specialist. “The entire process was a great learning experience for our team, and there was such a sense of pride when we found out this record-setting solar project was approved. From the original meeting with the ReVision staff, we could tell the potential for a great partnership was there, and that feeling never wavered as we continued on with our decision making. The fact that two New England cooperatives could team up for this amazing project is just a bonus for both sides, and we are excited to see what the future holds.”
