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Hackettstown, NJ — A solar field adjacent to Mars Snackfood US’s headquarters will help offset the plant’s energy consumption by 20 percent during peak hours.

The company tapped in to a dedicated solar field this week as it pursues better energy efficiency. More than 28,000 ground-mounted solar panels on 18 acres next to its headquarters in Hackettstown, NJ, will provide two megawatts of energy during peak hours. According to Mars, the addition will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons.

The project is in partnership with PSEG Solar Source, the company that owns the system on Mars’ property. Mars has contracted with PSEG for the entire output of the system in a long-term deal.

The solar garden is part of a series of renovations the company has made in its pursuit of Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. Other enhancements include water-conserving fixtures, an upgraded Building Energy Management System, energy-efficient lighting, reflective roofing that offsets direct heat gain and more than 20 percent recycled content materials such as carpet and ceiling tiles.