Feb 18 2010
Tanner Creek Energy, a renewable energy project development and consulting firm, announced the completion of a 12.6 kW solar system at Northwoods Nursery's 66-acre operation in Molalla, OR. Northwoods Nursery is a grower of unique fruiting edibles and unusual ornamentals for wholesale and retail, via its One Green World retail operation.
Since its inception in 1979, the nursery has been a leader in the industry in sustainable practices and has invested in solar energy to help power its Molalla operation. The grid-tied solar energy system is roof-mounted atop the company's multi-use building, which houses retail, shipping and receiving operations. "This solar array will offset over 10% of our annual energy usage, helping us transition away from fossil fuels," said owner Jim Gilbert.
In addition to solar, Northwoods Nursery's other sustainable business practices include energy and water conservation practices, an extremely efficient waste management system, biodiesel equipment operation and employees use of electric carts as their primary means of on-site transportation. Alan Hickenbottom, founder of Tanner Creek Energy stated, "Northwoods is a leader in sustainability in the Northwest, and we are proud to be able to help them reduce their use of non-renewable energy sources and lower their energy costs."