Limoneira Partners with Tesla to Become Energy Independent
SANTA PAULA, CA - With sustainability on the mind around the globe, Limoneira Company has strengthened its place in the movement by commissioning a new joint project with Tesla to reduce energy costs and move towards energy independence.
"This project will study the efficacy of battery systems paired to solar manufacturing facilities," said Mark Palamountain, Senior Director, according to a press release. "The goal is to reduce demand from the utilities during the day, which is the high cost period, and offset that use with less expensive night time energy that is stored in the battery."
Limoneira has six solar installations across the company, totaling 4.2M kWhs annually. An additional solar project is planned for 2017 which will add 1.5MWs on Limoneira's packing house roof for 2.8M kwhs, or a total of 7M kwhs annually. This will enable the company to be 50% off the grid. The company is on track to become completely energy independent by 2022.
"Limoneira has a long history of land stewardship and sustainability," said CEO Harold Edwards. "We will continue to make investments that are clean, as well as profitable."
In addition to Limoneira's solar operations, the company is a leader in providing Work Force housing and has significant green waste recycling, integrated pest management, and water projects. The company also releases regular educational pieces showing consumers new ways to use citrus, including natural, environmentally-friendly cleaning methods.
