“It was a big project to undergo, but a decision easily made,” says Jimmy Coppola with Westmoreland-TopLine Farms about the recently installed solar panels on the roof of the company’s Leamington facility. “The panels help us offset the energy we consume by generating excess power that others around us can utilize. In addition, solar panels help us reduce our carbon footprint and ensure we continue to do well in the future,” mentioned Coppola.2,325 panels
On an annual basis, the greenhouse grower will collect 770 MWh of power through a total of 2,325 installed panels. “The power will provide for the company’s local grid; including the facility itself, as well as the closest homes, greenhouses and businesses surrounding it.”
In addition to becoming a more efficient energy consumer, the solar panels will also support Westmoreland-TopLine Farms in reducing energy waste. “We are now able to fully monitor the input and output of energy and identify where needless waste is occurring,” shared Coppola. The panels will also allow for less power to be lost in transmission compared to traditional power delivery.
Future plans
The new solar panels adorning the roof of Westmoreland-TopLine Farms should save 532 tons of carbon emissions per year, roughly equivalent to planting 13,390 trees. “We have more plans in place to function sustainably,” said Coppola. Some of the ideas include greenhouses with solar curtains, water treated with UV to minimize water and fertilizer loss, packing facilities with energy-conserving LEDs and packaging with less plastics and more compostable and recyclable elements.
“A project like solar, or any that can generate renewable energy, benefits not only our industry but every industry. These actions ensure future generations have an environment they can enjoy as we have, and that natural resources are conserved,” concluded Coppola.
For more information:
Jimmy Coppola
Westmoreland-TopLine Farms
Tel: (+1) 519-322-2351 , ext.247