A 679-kilowatt rooftop solar system at Foodlink's Rochester headquarters has been named one of the Rochester Business Journal's 2026 Top Projects award winners.
The installation, developed by GreenSpark Solar and financed by local entrepreneur Bob Bechtold, includes more than 1,100 panels on Foodlink's headquarters and distribution center on Mount Read Boulevard. It was one of 10 construction projects selected for the annual recognition.
The Rochester Business Journal's Top Projects awards recognize notable building and construction work completed across the Rochester region during the previous year. The publication's editorial staff selected the winning projects.
Foodlink made no upfront capital investment in the solar system. The project is expected to save the regional food bank about $200,000 in electricity costs over 25 years, according to GreenSpark.
Financing removed the upfront cost
The project was structured through a power purchase agreement. Bechtold financed and owns the system, while GreenSpark developed and installed it and will provide operations and maintenance throughout the system's life.
The arrangement allows Foodlink to use otherwise idle rooftop space while lowering long-term energy costs. GreenSpark said the financing model could offer other nonprofit organizations a way to add solar generation without paying the initial construction expense.
Partnership links local investment and food access
GreenSpark CEO Kevin Schulte said the project pairs local private investment with clean energy for a food bank serving vulnerable residents. He described the collaboration as an example of local organizations using their respective resources to create a lasting community benefit.
GreenSpark, Foodlink and Bechtold were honored together for the project. GreenSpark said it will remain responsible for the array's ongoing operations and maintenance as the system produces energy for the distribution center.
GreenSpark said it has nearly 25 years of experience developing solar and battery storage projects for businesses, homeowners and communities in the Northeast and other markets.
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