Bimbo Bakeries USA—manufacturer of baked products such as Arnold, Boboli, Entenmann’s, Sara Lee and Thomas—announced it will install a solar energy project on rooftop and ground canopy structures at its Escondido, CA bakery this summer. Approximately 3,150 solar panels will produce 1,775,000 kWh of electricity annually, powering 30 percent of the bakery’s electricity.

The facility's 107,500-sq.-ft. solar array will have a 1.075 MW system and provide increased operational efficiency to the plant, as well as significant environmental benefits. The solar panels will reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the bakery by 981 tons per year – which is equivalent to providing one year of electricity for 156 homes.

“We are excited to further our commitment to sustainability by introducing solar technology to our facilities,” says James McKeown, director of sustainability at Bimbo. “We are always looking for new opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and lead by example with our sustainable projects.”