DAYVILLE, Conn. — Distributor United Natural Foods here announced this week plans to install a 1.19-megawatt solar power system that will cover 175,000 square feet of rooftop at its 487,000-square-foot distribution facility in Rocklin, Calif. To develop and install the new solar power system, the company contracted with American Capital Energy, North Chelmsford, Mass. Construction of the solar power project began this month, with the power-generating panels expected to be in operation by the end of the summer. When completed, the solar power system is expected to produce an average of 1.5 million kilowatt-hours annually in clean energy at this facility — the equivalent of powering 140 average American households for a year. “This solar power system is yet another example of United Natural Foods’ commitment to environmentally responsible initiatives,” said Michael Funk, United’s president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Further, it is especially gratifying to work toward protecting the environment while at the same time improving our infrastructure to enhance efficiencies and lower costs.”

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