WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt’s southern location, Chinchiolo Stemilt California (CSC), has received approval from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to implement the Net Energy Metering 2.0 (NEM2) solar program, which allows solar customers to earn credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The project will add approximately 3,000 solar panels across four acres at CSC’s location in Stockton, California, where it grows, packs, and ships World Famous cherries.

The NEM2 solar program, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, allows customers to receive credits for excess electricity they send back to the grid when they produce more energy than they can consume. Although NEM2 has since transitioned to the NEM3 program, CSC’s project was grandfathered into NEM2 for 20 years, allowing the company to benefit from greater solar savings.

“At CSC, we are committed to producing high-quality fruit and also being responsible stewards of the environment,” said CSC’s General Manager, Erick Stonebarger, in a recent press release. “In celebration of Earth Day this month, we’re proud to launch our solar panel installation project, a major step in reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices. By harnessing the power of the sun, we’re ensuring a greener future for our community, our business, and future generations.”

This marks Stemilt's second solar initiative, expanding upon its 2018 installation of 100 solar panels at its main location in Wenatchee, Washington, but at a greater capacity. Conserving renewable resources is part of Stemilt’s commitment to its Responsible Choice® program, which began back in 1989 to develop sustainability ideas into initiatives. From the time a solar contractor is selected, the project is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete and receive final inspection sign-off. A feasibility report from ACIP Energy LLC, based on historical usage and current PG&E rates, provides a conservative projection of long-term savings.

“The environmental impact of this project is incredibly rewarding,” Stonebarger added. “Over the next 25 years, our solar panels will offset the emissions equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road and will help reduce harmful pollutants like NOx (nitrogen oxides) and SOx (sulfur oxides). This is just the beginning of our commitment to renewable energy, and we’re proud to make this long-term investment in a cleaner future.”

The four-acre solar array will be built on the northwest side of CSC’s main facility and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The solar panels are estimated to offset 2 megawatts of electricity as well as CO2, NOx, and SOx emissions, equivalent to driving an average car 197,403,176 miles, removing 640 cars from roads for 25 years, or planting 994 acres of trees.

“Our decision to move forward with the NEM2 solar program wasn’t just a business decision,” said Stonebarger. “It’s about our responsibility to the environment. With this project, we’re making a lasting impact by significantly reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability. The savings we’ll realize in the coming years are not only financial but also environmental, and we are excited about the positive change this will bring.”