Miller Milling
Miller Milling says the new system will shift approximately 15% of the Fresno plant’s energy use to renewable sourcing. 
 
BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Miller Milling Co. has unveiled plans to install a 1 megawatt solar power system at its flour mill in Fresno, California, U.S. Once installed, the solar system is expected to generate 2,070,000 kilowatt hours of power annually and will shift approximately 15% of the Fresno plant’s energy use to renewable sourcing.

Miller Milling plant manager
Damon Sidles, Fresno plant manager for Miller Milling. 
“We’re always looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operation,” said Damon Sidles, Fresno’s plant manager. “This solar panel project is something we’ve been working on for a couple of years: We’ve done a site assessment, evaluated competing systems and done preliminary engineering surveys to determine an optimal location on our property. When the project is completed, it will reduce our emissions, lower our energy costs and lessen our demand on the local power grid. Our customers, our company and the communities we serve will benefit from this project.”


The Fresno flour mill was selected for the project because of the high percentage of sunny days in the area, the size and configuration of the property and the absence of any tall structures in the neighborhood, the company said.

Miller Milling said it will take about 11 months to build the solar power system, which will include the installation of 2,400 solar energy panels.

The Fresno flour mill has wheat flour capacity of 9,500 cwts, as well as grain storage capacity of 3.3 million bushels, according to theGrain & Milling Annual 2016. The mill produces tortilla flour, all-purpose flour, whole wheat tortilla and whole wheat all-purpose flour, semolina, durum flours, and whole wheat durum products.