Local grocer goes green with solar power

A local H-E-B earned the distinction of becoming the first Austin grocer to go solar.

Last week, the store began installation of solar panels that will occupy approximately 2,500 square feet and will be placed at a 10-degree angle in order to generate as much energy as possible. The system, which should be fully installed by late July, will produce 31,000 kilowatt-hours per year of locally produced, renewable energy.

“I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but that is enough to power three homes for an entire year,” said Joe Lopez, H-E-B energy manager.

The addition has made the H-E-B on Brodie Lane the largest retailer in Austin to go green, in an attempt to offset the store’s carbon footprint while advocating green energy.

Lopez said the solar panels will prevent 32,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

The solar panel system will also avoid producing other pollutants including soot, mercury, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. The use of solar panels will also help with water conservation because the panels do not require water for cooling or processing.

“This store is the tiara on the princess of energy conservation and what this store represents,” said Andrew McCalla, chief executive officer of Meridian Solar, the company responsible for the design and installation of the system.

The solar panels are one of many environmentally friendly features the store has to offer. The store has also attempted to minimize waste by recycling and reducing the use of plastic bags.

“H-E-B has always been committed to green technology,” Lopez said. “We are very excited about our solar energy project and continuing to represent corporate and environmental responsibility.”

When the installation is complete, a monitoring system will be set up inside the store so customers can see exactly how much H-E-B is saving daily.

“Hopefully, this pilot project will inspire other retailers to do the same and will lead to a vast energy conservation here in Austin,” said Linda Haas, Meridian Solar spokeswoman.

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