Discover how Vermont’s dairy farms are revolutionizing their income with community solar. Could this be the new cash crop? Dive in to find out more.
Vermont, a state iconic for its rolling green hills dappled with dairy cows, rakes in an annual revenue exceeding $2.2 billion solely from its dairy industry. However, with profit margins in agriculture wearing increasingly thin, local farmers have found the need to compete, ensuring optimal use of their land without any losses. Enter the era of greener, financial pastures with a community solar subscription.
Thanks to two recently finished off-site community solar projects, developed and constructed by Norwich Solar, and financed by strategic partners, Solaris Energy and GreenDay Finance, over 2,100 kWh of renewable energy is slated to be provided annually to six locally run dairy farms. These projects entail two 500 kWac (864 kWdc) solar ground-mount sites that have been built on less productive land within Newbury and Jamaica.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see locals come together to care for a community resource, especially one that helps their fellow neighbors and local economy. It really hits the mark on what community scale solar is all about,” shared Nick Francis, Solaris Energy’s Director of Project Development.
The science behind it is revolutionary – each solar array has been skillfully designed to reduce fixed energy costs, thus, increasing profit margins. This ingenious move guarantees that Vermont’s dairy farms can continue contributing to the regional economy on a long-term basis. Credit: Solaris Energy
In the heart of the neighborhood of Jamaica, a site that was once a gravel pit now houses one of these transformative projects which sparked great interest and excitement among local residents, reports Solaris Energy. Meanwhile in Newbury, the project found its home on a hillside which had been previously logged.
Reflecting the spirit and essence of community-scale solar, a wholesome partnership has made these projects a reality. Certified B Corp, Norwich Solar helmed the projects in both their early development stages and construction of the sites.
“We are very fortunate to work with engaged property owners to site these solar projects on underused land, enabling additional value to be unlocked for them,” said Kevin Davis, VP of Sales and Marketing for Norwich Solar.
Support from fellow B Corp, Solaris Energy in the form of late-stage development and capital for the final completion of the projects was instrumental. Investor partner, GreenDay Finance took over long-term ownership, and will continue to collaborate with Solaris Energy and Norwich Solar for asset management, operations, and maintenance services on both sites.
