CSE

Center for Sustainable Energy

Solar PV Keeps California Avocados “Green” 

San Pasqual Avocado Company installs solar to offset irrigation costs

San Pasqual Avocado Company owner Francis Pedace decided to replace diesel-powered irrigation pumps on his 250-acre farm with electric motors as a way to save money. He subsequently installed four solar electric systems over three years that greatly offset the cost of his operations and make his avocado farming even more “green.”

Pedace expects the solar systems to have a payback of 6-8 years, depending on annual kilowatt-hour production. With assistance from federal and state incentives, Pedace may continue to add solar to the farm in the future.