Stop & Shop Installs Solar Panels on Stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey

QUINCY, Mass., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Stop & Shop today announced that it has completed the installation of solar panels on eight of its stores in Mass., Conn. and N.J. The solar panels will reduce the amount of energy consumed by these stores by more than seven percent. The completion of this project marks an extension of the company's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2015 using 2008 as a baseline.

The photovoltaic (PV) solar power generating systems were developed by Alteris Renewables, Inc., the largest design-build renewable energy company in the Northeast.  The amount of electricity that will be generated by all eight stores annually is estimated to be 1,759,572 kWh, offsetting 1,264 metric tons of CO2. This is equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the total electricity use of 153 homes over the course of a year.

The solar project is among a series of green solutions Stop & Shop is rolling out across its 375 stores in the Northeast.

"Two years ago, we launched a storewide refresh and  brought customers new technology to simplify their lives – handheld devices for scanning groceries, digital kiosks for placing deli orders, and one-stop weigh stations in the produce department," said Faith Weiner director of public affairs for Stop & Shop. "Now we're rolling out new renewable energy solutions for our stores which enable us to conserve energy, while continuing to deliver the quality and value our shoppers expect."

Faith Weiner continued, "Businesses are waking up to the benefits of solar power.  As one of the largest food retailers in the Northeast, we're proud to incorporate solar panels into our building, and we appreciate the expertise that Alteris has brought to this tri-state project."

Following are the locations of the eight stores that are powered with solar energy.

Massachusetts:

• 779 McGrath Highway, Somerville
• 160 Providence Highway, Dedham
• 1100 Massachusetts Avenue, Dorchester

Connecticut:

• 760 Villa Avenue, Fairfield

New Jersey:

• 3333 Route 27, Franklin Park
• 1129 Rte. 34, North Aberdeen
• 940 Easton Avenue, Somerset
• 400 Lacey Road, Whiting

"Stop & Shop is proving that renewable energy is a key component for delivering quality and value in today's energy economy," said Ron French, president of Alteris Renewables' Solar Division. "Solar power allows businesses to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and hedge against rising electricity costs.  We're proud to have been selected by Stop & Shop for this multi-state solar rollout and to help them reach their renewable energy goals."

Beyond solar panels, Stop & Shop has been exploring alternative ways to be green by installing energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems in stores and distribution centers. The company also recently partnered with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to install a fuel cell at its new store in Torrington, Conn., which will provide more than 90 percent of the electricity needed to power the store.   For more information on Stop & Shop's company-wide Recycling and Environment initiatives, visit www.stopandshop.com.

About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company employs more than 59,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company is a member of the US Green Building Council and has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores. Stop & Shop has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores and is also a member of the EPA's Smart Way program.

SOURCE Stop & Shop Supermarket Company