Hanford, CA
The Warmerdam Packing Company, located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley of Hanford, California, is a pioneer in the agricultural industry. Known for its innovative handling, cooling, and packaging of premium fruits like cherries and kiwis, Warmerdam has long understood that staying competitive requires more than just high-quality crops—it requires smart, sustainable operational management. In 2007, when utility-scale solar was still a burgeoning concept, Warmerdam made a historic commitment to renewable energy by partnering with Stellar Solar Commercial to build one of the largest agricultural solar arrays in the nation.
The scale of the Warmerdam project remains impressive even by 2026 standards. This massive installation spans over 170,000 square feet—a footprint larger than three and a half professional football fields. Stellar Solar Commercial successfully met the immense challenge of completing this project under a tight two-month deadline, ensuring it was fully operational by the end of the year to meet critical tax and financial requirements.
The technical specifications of the 1 MWp system include:
-6,600 Solar Modules: A sprawling array of 175-watt modules engineered to capture the intense Central Valley sun.
-1 MWp Installed Capacity: Producing over 1.2 MWh of clean energy per year, providing a reliable and significant source of power for the packinghouse and its cooling systems.
– -Dual Satcon 500kW Inverters: Robust, industrial-grade power conversion technology designed for the high-capacity demands of a 24/7 agricultural operation.
For a high-output packing facility, cooling and cold storage represent the single largest electrical expense. The San Joaquin Valley’s extreme summer temperatures place an immense load on refrigeration systems exactly when solar production is at its peak. By integrating this 1 MWp system, Warmerdam was able to offset approximately 60% of the total electrical power needs of their packinghouse and cold storage facilities.
Nearly two decades later, this installation continues to serve as a high-yield financial asset. It has effectively hedged the company against decades of utility rate hikes, allowing Warmerdam to reinvest those energy savings back into their farming operations, equipment, and community. It is a perfect case study of how the agricultural industry can “harvest the sun” to secure long-term profitability.
The success of the Warmerdam project established Stellar Solar Commercial as a premier partner for the agricultural and industrial sectors. Since 1998, we have brought over 28 years of industry experience to every installation, specializing in the complex engineering and project management required for 100kW+ systems.
We understand the unique time constraints and financial drivers of the Central Valley—from year-end tax planning to the specific power demands of large-scale irrigation and cold storage. Our in-house team of engineers, project managers, and financial specialists ensures that every project, no matter the scale, is delivered on time and optimized for maximum ROI.
As California moves toward its 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, the example set by Warmerdam Packing Co. is more relevant than ever. In 2026, the strategy has evolved to include Solar + Battery Storage, allowing facilities to capture energy during the day and use it to maintain critical cooling temperatures throughout the night.
Stellar Solar Commercial remains at the forefront of this revolution, helping California’s farmers and manufacturers transition to a resilient, low-cost energy future. We handle the entire lifecycle of the project—from site survey and structural analysis to utility interconnection and ongoing maintenance.
If your facility is ready to follow in the footsteps of industry leaders like Warmerdam Packing Co. and reclaim control over your utility costs, contact Stellar Solar Commercial today at 858-395-6905. We provide comprehensive, free commercial site evaluations to show you the true potential of your property.