Frito-Lay employees dedicated the new
solar electric power system that has been installed on the roof of their
Arizona Service Center, the company’s largest distribution center in the
country. The 201-kilowatt system, made up of more than 1,000 Kyocera high
output 200-watt photovoltaic (PV) modules, is the largest business-owned PV
system in Arizona. The system will produce roughly 350,000 kilowatt hours
of electricity annually.
PV systems produce no emissions and utilize Arizona’s solar resource to
convert sunlight into electricity. The PV system on the Arizona Service
Center will supply power directly to Frito-Lay’s electrical loads to meet a
portion of the facility’s daytime energy needs.
“In concert with PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose efforts around
environmental sustainability, Frito-Lay’s sustainability programs have
focused on conserving vital resources and implementing
environmentally friendly solutions like renewable energy sources,” says
Rich Beck, senior vice president of operations for Frito-Lay North America. “By
using solar power in our Service Center, we are harnessing one of Arizona’s
natural and powerful assets–the sun. This project helps the environment,
Phoenix, and the greater Arizona community, a valued partner.”
“Frito-Lay’s commitment to promoting renewable sources of energy is
commendable,” says Arizona Corporation Commissioner William A. Mundell. “As
rising fossil fuel prices drive the cost of electricity upward, it is vital
that Arizona look to alternative sources of energy.
“I am proud of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s decision to pass
the Environmental Portfolio Standard which requires APS to give businesses
an opportunity to reduce their electricity costs by utilizing renewable
technology such as solar,” Mundell adds.
The installation was facilitated, in part, by the APS Solar Partners
Incentive Program. This Program offers financial incentives to customers
who add photovoltaic solar systems or solar water heaters to their homes or
business. The Program is funded by APS customers and approved by the
Arizona Corporation Commission.
“The Solar Power Incentive Program allows customers to take ownership
of their energy future,” says Pat Dinkel, Director of Planning and Resource
Acquisition for APS.
American Solar Electric, Inc., a Scottsdale-based firm specializing in
photovoltaic power systems, designed and installed the PV system. The PV
system was engineered to produce year-round energy production through
elevated, angled panels above the rooftop deck.
“Our company is proud to be a part of Frito-Lay’s overall
sustainability program through the construction of this solar electric
system.” says Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric.
“Frito-Lay’s commitment to solar power as part of their sustainability
effort is a great example of how the private sector can partner with
utilities to address our community’s larger concerns over the environment
and diversification of the nation’s energy supply.
“Key strategic partnerships between Frito-Lay, American Solar Electric,
Kyocera, SMA-America, and APS were crucial to making a project on this
scale possible,” Seitz concluds.
Frito-Lay already has installed PV systems in six other distribution
centers in California and New York. In 2005, Frito-Lay opened its first
Gold LEED certified green, environmentally friendly distribution center
in New York. Only one of 50 Gold LEED-certified buildings in North America
at the time, it serves as a model of resource conservation through
innovations in renewable energy, alternative lighting, energy efficiency
standards, and environmentally intelligent choices.
