Mitsubishi Electric Solar Modules Help Irrigate Orchards at Ducor Ranch

When operating at full capacity, the 6,400 ground-mounted, high-efficiency photovoltaic panels can generate 1MW of AC energy for the Limoneira Company, which grows and processes lemons, avocados, oranges, specialty citrus, pistachios and cherries on its orchards in Santa Paula, Calif.  Limoneira’s solar electric system is expected to produce 2,300,000 kWh of electricity annually. 

 Perpetual Power, a San Francisco-based company, designed and installed the four 250kW AC solar electric systems for Limoneira Company.  “Using solar energy to irrigate Limoneira’s orchards was a perfect compliment to their existing 1MW solar array.  The four new solar systems not only save the company money, they keep the air clean, which is very important to the whole community of Santa Paula,” says Mark Palamountain, founder of Perpetual Power.

 The four 250kW AC solar systems replace fossil fueled-powered water pumps and provide enough electricity to offset the annual electricity use equal to 230 average US households.  This new 1MW system complements Limoneira’s existing 1MW solar orchard installed in October 2008, supplying the company with a total of 2MW AC of solar power.

 “We believe that sustainable business practices are the key to a healthy future and we’re proud to add another megawatt of solar power to our property in Santa Paula, Calif.,” said Harold Edwards, Limoneira's president and CEO.  “We’ve found that doing the right thing often yields positive financial results in the long run as well.”

 The solar system is owned by a third-party company, which allows Limoneira Company to purchase the electricity for an average of $0.08/kWh, more than a third less than California’s average retail electric rate of $0.12/kWh.  The solar arrays are not only good for the environment, they are expected to save the company $200,000 annually by lowering its overall electric rate and demand charges.

 “Limoneira Company has really proven to be a leader in its industry by installing more than 12,000 modules in less than a year to power its facilities and irrigate its orchards,” said Gina Heng, general manager for Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic Division.

 About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic Division

Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar power technology, including PV cells, modules and inverters. The company’s eco-friendly photovoltaic systems are used throughout the world to bring clean, reliable energy to residences, business, power generation plants, schools, factories and areas without access to electricity, as well as other applications such as highway and stadium lighting. In the United States, Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic panels are marketed by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., and sold only through authorized distributors and installers. For more information visit www.mitsubishielectricsolar.com.

 About Perpetual Power

Bay Area-based Perpetual Power (P2) is organized to build, install and support solar electric generators that deliver best-in-class production.  The company’s objectives include enhancing the triple-bottom line of their customers.  P2 uses the LEED process to design, manage and deliver projects working with customers who share their interest in their approach to solar generator deployment. For more information visit www.p2solarsolutions.com.

 About Limoneira Company

Since its founding in 1893, Limoneira has been a key player in California’s storied agriculture industry, and today grows lemons, avocados, oranges, specialty citrus and nuts on its 7,000 acres and is one of the largest growers of lemons and avocados in the United States. The company is also a sustainable community builder. Its recently approved East Area I master planned development contains homes, schools, sports fields, assisted living, retail and light industrial uses. For more information, visit www.limoneira.com.