Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group (SPWG) opened what is said to be one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in Patterson, Calif.

The Modesto, Calif.-based warehousing and distribution company revealed a nearly 1 megawatt rooftop photovoltaic (PV) array. This solar panel installation is said to be one of the largest in the Turlock Irrigation District’s service area, which extends east to west from Lake Don Pedro to Del Puerto Canyon.

Comprised of 2,655 modules, the system will produce over 1.3 million kilowatt hours per year, enough to power about 120 California homes.

“Installing this solar project is a big step in our goal to be a sustainable energy partner within our community by doing our part to return electricity to the grid, reduce carbon emissions and make our company more self-sufficient, while operating with the smallest carbon footprint possible,” says Chris Murphy, chief executive officer. “As a frozen warehouse, our energy usage is so regular and predictable that we are the perfect company to go solar. The Central Valley has so much sun that it makes good sense to use solar energy. Our community benefits too, as there will now be more energy available during the peak hours when electricity from the grid is in short supply.”

Over the 25-year life of the system, the Patterson facility’s electrical generation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21,759 tons of CO2, the equivalent of driving a medium-sized car for 39,560,909 miles, flying a plane for 44,862,887 miles or planting 870,340 trees.

Rodda Electric, Inc., Brentwood, Calif., designed and installed the rooftop solar panels, doing “a fabulous job on a very aggressive timeline,” adds Murphy.