INDIO, CA – With the completion of DiMare Enterprises’ 331-kW solar panel system in its Indio, California service and distribution center, the company held a ribbon cutting event to usher in the new sustainability initiative. 

More than 50 people attended the event, including two prior Mayors and the current Mayor of Indio, Lupe Ramos Watson. Several city officials and state representatives attended as well.

As we previously reported, the new system is made up of 1,068 panels that have been installed on the roofs of DiMare’s packing house and carports, the result of a three month installation process.

AndNowUKnow spoke with DiMare Enterprises CEO, Tom DiMare, about the new solar panel system and all things sustainability.

I asked Tom about what this new solar panel system means to DiMare, and he told me that with this system, “We avoid and mitigate peak load charges. In so doing, we reduce the utility’s peak load burden.” That is good for DiMare and the environment.

This system will produce 544,00 kW hours per year and will help to offset 90% of the company’s cooling load used to pack and store fruit.

This certainly isn’t the end for DiMare in terms of sustainability. Tom added, “We are seeking more ways to reduce energy usage and where we can be more sustainable in other areas of our business. One option that we are looking at is the use of fuel cells.”

When I asked Tom if sustainability is a key aspect of DiMare’s 2015 plans and initiatives, he gave me a resounding yes, saying, “It always has been and always will be. Ag is about sustainability.”

It is clear the DiMare is committed to finding new ways to improve sustainability. Congratulations on the ribbon cutting!

DiMare