Project Focus: DRI Energy completes 1MW installation at Mercer Foods’ CA facility

August 19, 2010
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DRI Energy has completed a 1MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installation at the Mercer Foods facility in Modesto, CA. The project was accomplished in 33 days, meeting the deadline required in order to preserve Mercer Foods’ solar rebate from Modesto Irrigation District (MID).

The installation includes 3,582 Suntech 260 watt modules, a Satcon 500kW inverter and a Satcon 375kW inverter.

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“This project needed to be completed on-time or Mercer foods would not have received their reserved rebate level.” said Mike Zweifel, photovoltaic program coordinator at Modesto Irrigation District, “DRI Energy stepped up and made it happen.”

“We work in a very competitive industry and we are always looking for ways to run our operations more efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Dave Noland, president of Mercer Foods.

“This solar project is not only is going to help us achieve that goal but also is meaningful to our customers, many who supply the health-conscious customer and who care about sustainability. DRI Energy came through where others could not and we are extremely pleased with the results. Mercer Foods is already a leader in its industry with state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch energy management. Now they are a leader in the business community at large in utilizing renewable energy to further streamline their energy costs and create more efficiencies in their operations,” said Steve Kelley, EVP of DRI Energy.

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