Krasdale Powering Solar Conversion of Bronx DC

Supermarket food distributor Krasdale Foods said it would add more than 6,500 solar panels to the roof of its Bronx, N.Y., distribution center in a move it said would generate clean energy equivalent to offsetting 5.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide, or removing 524 automobiles from the road annually.

The 2.7-megawatt system at the Hunts Point center would be the largest solar rooftop project in the Bronx. The initiative will allow residents in the same utility area to share in the energy produced by the system, officials noted. Roughly 300 residents are expected to qualify for this no-cost option, which will reduce their electric bills by 10%, local authorities said.

Krasdale is working with PowerFlex, a national provider of renewable energy infrastructure, on the project. PowerFlex expects the installation process to take approximately nine months, with completion next year.

Krasdale, based in White Plains, N.Y., provides food distribution marketing and merchandising services to hundreds of independently owned grocery stores in the New York metro area. As part of the company’s agreement with the New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC)—the lease administrator on behalf of the city—Krasdale will have the opportunity to extend its current lease at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center through 2041.

Founded in 1908, Krasdale has operated out of the same Bronx warehouse since the early 1970s and was one of the first businesses the city recruited to the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center.

“After nearly a half century in Hunts Point, we’re thrilled to be able to support our community by creating a greener New York,” Krasdale President Gus Lebiak said in a statement. “Our focus has always been on giving back to the communities we serve, and this project represents our continuing commitment to the Bronx. We want to thank the city of New York and PowerFlex for partnering with us on this initiative.”

“New York City is closer to achieving its energy goals with Krasdale’s new solar installation at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “This project will improve air quality for New Yorkers and contribute to a cleaner, more resilient electricity grid. We look forward to advancing additional sustainability projects at the Food Distribution Center and delivering much-needed benefits to the Hunts Point community.”