Campbell and partners complete 9.8MW solar PV system in US

Campbell Soup Company along with its partners BNB Renewable Energy Holdings, Enfinity America, FirstEnergy Solutions and SunPower together have completed the construction of 9.8MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power system.

The solar PV power system constructed at the Campbell’s manufacturing facility in Napoleon, Ohio is currently producing enough electricity to address the facility’s 15% of the annual power needs.

SunPower designed and installed the SunPower Oasis system using its solar panels with T0 Tracker system which increases sunlight capture by up to 25% and reduces land use requirements.

Campbell corporate responsibility and public affairs vice president Dave Stangis said, "This system is a milestone achievement that will reduce Campbell’s operational expenses while generating clean, renewable power that contributes to the environmental health of our friends and neighbors in Napoleon and across Northeast Ohio."

BNB partnered with Campbell to develop the project from its inception and it also contracted FirstEnergy Solutions to purchase all of the solar renewable energy credits and environmental benefits of the project.

Enfinity co-developed the solar project with BNB and together the companies arranged term financing from the Wells Fargo and secured the engineering, procurement and construction contract with SunPower.

BNB and Enfinity will also operate and maintain the solar system throughout its life.

BNB principal and founder Matthew Baird said, "BNB and Enfinity have shown what’s possible when focused development expertise meets a ready source of funding. 2012 is going to see more of these solar success stories."

Enfinity America CEO Rafael Dobrzynski said, "More and more commercial and industrial companies are seeing that on-site solar energy is a viable business proposition and a brand-builder, as it shows a commitment to sustainable energy."

Campbell will purchase all the power generated from the system which was commissioned in December 2011.