What's that Smell? Solar Powered Organic Breads and Bagels from Global Supplier Alvarado Street Bakery

These days solar power is popping up in the most interesting of places.  Although there still aren't a lot of consumers who can afford to make the jump to solar, there are many private businesses who are making the leap.  Global supplier of organic breads and bagels, Alvarado Street Bakery in Petaluma, California, takes their mission to support sustainable agricultural practices and healthy living seriously.

Alvarado Street Bakery is a worker owned, worker managed co-op located just north of San Francisco in the beautiful wine country of Sonoma County. Since 1979 Alvarado Street Bakery has been making healthy, organic whole grain breads which are sold throughout California, the U.S., Canada and Japan. Their roots can be traced back to the “Food for People not for Profit” movement in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Alvarado Street Bakery's  large facility in Petaluma, California has a  roof area of almost 1.5 acres and now carries an innovative and effective solar electric system, installed by Stellar Energy.  "This 404 kilowatt system will offset close to 40% of the bakery’s power needs, generating enough electricity to power about 90 average homes," said Matt Lugar, Vice President of Sales for Stellar.  "All basic components of the system are made or assembled here in America, providing green jobs at a crucial moment in this economy. Stellar Energy applauds Alvarado Street Bakery’s leadership in deploying this exciting solar project, one of the first in the bakery industry."

The system consists of 1,722 Sharp® brand 235 watt solar panels, installed on a special rack system that minimizes roof attachments and prevents water leaks. 

Joseph Tuck, CEO of Alvarado Street Bakery, is enthused about the system. "We will be reducing our carbon footprint by saving energy and cutting down on fossil fuels used to generate electricity."

P.S.- I am really glad that you stopped by our Environmental Booty Blog and I hope you have learned or shared a thing or two.  I hope that , now that you've found us,  you won't lose us!  You can join our green living online community, subscribe to our posts,  download our community toolbar, Tweet with me on Twitter or Come Shop with Me to stay in touch!  - Shane :)