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What’s better than solar power? Chocolate. How do we compensate for this sad reality? By putting a 2 MW solar panel array next to the Mars Chocolate North America headquarters. Today, New Jersey utility PSEG joined Mars officials (including advertising’s favorite walking, talking M&Ms) in Hackettstown for the official grand unveiling of more than 28,000 solar panels.
The 18 acres of solar power provides an impressive amount of electricity for the factory where M&Ms are brought into their delicious, brief existence. According to the press release from PSEG,
The solar garden provides 2 MW of power during peak hours, which is equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the plant’s peak energy consumption. It will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing 190 vehicles from the road each year.
The solar garden is owned by PSEG Solar Source, and was installed and engineered by Colorado-based juwi solar Inc. using thin film solar panels provided by First Solar. Together with the solar garden, the Mars facility has undergone a number of energy efficiency renovations and will now be applying for LEED Gold Certification.
Has your candy ever tasted so low carbon? No. We didn’t think so.
