The leading producer of value-added produce and healthy fresh foods in North America has announced the opening of a new solar installation to power its prepared fresh foods facility in Dallas, Texas.

In a release, Taylor Farms said its new 1MW roof mount array spanning almost four acres with 3,520 panels installed, was one of the largest commercial solar installations in the state. 

The project was done in partnership with a solar program provided by Dallas-based energy distributor ONCOR, as well as with support from energy provider MP2. Construction on the roof began in mid-September and was completed in December

"We are very pleased by the success we’ve had working alongside our Texas partners in making this project possible," said the company's director of sustainability, Nicole Flewell.

The system will produce 1.1 megawatt (MW) of direct current (DC) power for the facility daily – an approximate 17 percent energy offset for the plant.

"ONCOR is pleased to partner with Taylor Farms, and all of our participants, to successfully install and implement solar systems,” said ONCOR senior program manager Jeff Reed.

"Energy efficiency is important to our business customers and to make sure we can help meet their needs, we offer several energy efficiency programs.

"These programs provide incentives that assist them in installing a solar system to reduce their energy consumption and contribute to positively impact the environment."

The Dallas facility, which employs 1,100 people, will be one of Taylor Farms’ largest solar arrays, marking the group's eighth major sustainability-focused project, with others including wind, cogeneration and water recycling.

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