TWIN FALLS, IDAHO — Clif Bar & Co. has begun construction on a solar power system that will supply energy to 30% of its 300,000-square-foot plant in Twin Falls. Once completed in June 2019, it is expected to reduce the company’s energy costs and be the region’s largest onsite solar power source.

According to the bakery, the two-megawatt system will feature five acres of ground-mounted solar panels and generate an annual output of more than 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity. An onsite pollinator habitat that will aid local biodiversity and electric vehicle charging stations will be part of the system as well.

Since its inception, Clif Bar & Co. has been an environmental advocate that strives to operate sustainably. The Twin Falls site already includes on-demand conveyors, LED lighting, a reflective roof and water source heat pump that reduce energy use. In addition, all of its facilities use 100% green power, which is derived from a combination of onsite solar and renewable energy credits.

The new solar array will be 17 times larger than the next largest onsite solar power source in the Idaho Power service area. After its completion, the system will be available for educational community tours. 

“We’re excited to tap the power of Idaho sun and build a solar array that provides both environmental benefits and serves as an educational tool for the community,” said Elysa Hammond, director of environmental stewardship for Clif Bar & Co. “We treat energy like an ingredient and are committed to using green power to run our business.”