Fresh & Easy Announces Partnership to Install Roof-Mounted Solar on Nine Arizona Stores

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market today announced a partnership with REC Solar, a leading solar electric system provider in the United States, to install roof-mounted solar systems on nine stores. The systems will generate more than 410 kW of solar energy. In total, the systems will produce an estimated 620,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, the equivalent of reducing 22 million pounds of CO2 emissions – or removing 28 million car-driven miles – over the next 25 years. Fresh & Easy stores already use 30% less energy than a typical supermarket.

"Fresh & Easy's decision to become more energy independent is an example of why the Arizona Commerce Authority is focused, in part, on facilitating investment in the renewable energy sector and on job creation and training. Arizona has the potential to become the solar capital of the world and lead the nation as solar demand continues to grow globally and intensify nationally," said Don Cardon, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.

Fresh & Easy has invested in one of California's largest solar roof-mounted installations on its distribution center in Riverside, California. The installation, which is more than 500,000 sq. ft., currently produces about 1/5 of the energy for the entire facility. Fresh & Easy's website features a live reporting feed from the solar installation at the distribution center, reporting in real time the performance of the panels (www.freshandeasy.com/greenbuilding).

"With the success of our solar panel installation on our distribution center, we're confident these systems on our stores will help cut down on energy costs even further," said Tim Mason, Fresh & Easy CEO. "Through innovations like these, Fresh & Easy has been able to cut back on the amount of energy and water we use, efficiencies that are better for the environment and help us keep our prices low for our customers."

Installation of the REC Solar systems will begin in March 2011 at the following stores:

"REC Solar's industry expertise has long helped major retailers nationwide realize their carbon cutting goals through the installation of solar systems, and we are excited to partner with Fresh & Easy in its ongoing endeavor to provide customers with a sustainable grocery shopping experience in a sustainable environment," said Kam Mofid, President of REC Solar. "These installations serve as a model for other major retailers who wish to walk the talk when it comes to conservation and minimizing their environmental footprint."

About Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

Fresh & Easy operates more than 150 stores in California, Arizona and Nevada. In addition to wholesome, fresh prepared meals, meats and produce, Fresh & Easy offers everyone's favorite national brand products and household items, all at unbelievably low prices. The grocer's popular fresh&easy brand products contain no artificial colors or flavors, no added trans fats, no high-fructose corn syrup and only use preservatives when absolutely necessary.

On average, Fresh & Easy stores use 30% less energy than a typical supermarket – helping save customers money while helping the environment. Fresh & Easy uses LED lighting in external signs and freezer cases, offers customer recycling in every store, and uses advanced refrigeration and freezer units to cut back on energy usage. Fresh & Easy opened its first LEED Gold certified store last year and is a pilot member of the LEED Volume Certification Program. The company has also joined the California Climate Action Registry and The Climate Registry to disclose its greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information about Fresh & Easy, visit www.freshandeasy.com. Also follow the company on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/fresh_and_easy and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freshandeasy.  

About REC Solar

REC Solar is an industry leading solar power provider specializing in grid-tied residential and commercial installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the USA and thousands of kilowatts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products and outstanding customer service. REC Solar has more than a dozen offices in six states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Arizona and New Jersey). For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or call 1-888-OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527).

SOURCE Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market