GARWOOD, N.J. — Wakefern Food Corp., a wholesale cooperative whose members operate ShopRite supermarkets, announced the installation of a solar power system at its ShopRite store here.

The renovation consists of the mounting of 1,024 solar panels – each fixed to the roof of the store – that will produce approximately 303,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually to power in-store refrigeration and lighting. The new solar panel system is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 200 tons annually.

"This solar panel installation allows us to build sustainable practices into our business while still providing quality service and comfort to our customers," stated James Sumas, chief executive officer of Village Super Market, which owns and operates the ShopRite here. "We recognize that our customers look for a shopping experience that not only offers them service and value but that also fulfills their desire to do what's right for the environment."

Village Super Market tapped Rockaway, NJ-based The Solar Center to install the photovoltaic system.

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