Oregon bakery blends pastry and PV with dual-axis solar project

Ashland, Oregon-based Stracker Solar was chosen to design and build a state-of-the-art solar installation for Franz Bakery’s new Outlet Store and Depot in Medford. The six dual-axis tracker installations in the parking lot will make the new location net-zero electric while accommodating possible future EV charging stations.

Credit: Stracker Solar

“Franz is proud to support sustainability energy efforts in partnership with Stracker Solar at our new Medford Outlet Store and Depot location”, said Mike Petitt, Chief Financial Officer at Franz Bakery. “We continually seek opportunities to reduce energy use. The solar trackers at this location will provide an optimal solution to reduce energy costs and support climate action in the community.”

Primary contractor JB Steel is leading the construction of the 21,000 sq. ft facility and its premises.

“With the increased demand for green energy, we felt it was important that we have the ability to include solar generation into our projects”, said Alex Batzer, project manager at JB Steel. “Bringing our clients best-in-class solutions is an essential part of how we do business, and solar is no exception. We chose to partner with Stracker Solar because of their unique product that is not only perfectly compatible with parking lots but also the most efficient PV system available.”

JB Steel started site work on the premises in January 2022 with the installation of the solar trackers planned for early June. Full completion of the project is expected around mid-summer 2022.

“We are thankful for JB Steel and Franz Bakery for choosing us for this project”, says Jeff Sharpe, Founder and CEO of Stracker Solar. “It is a great example of businesses working together to bring more energy resilience and sustainability to our local communities. Which is what Stracker Solar is about.

“Giving up large areas of valuable land for solar generation is not a viable path for most communities. For true sustainability, we need to preserve land use while generating as much clean energy as possible,” says Sharpe.

News item from Stracker Solar

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/05/oregon-bakery-blends-pastry-and-pv-with-dual-axis-solar-project/