Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Third Sun Solar, an Ohio-based clean energy company, have teamed up to help bring solar panel technology to more DFA member farms.
The partnership will provide DFA members in the Mideast area with access to project planning, development, support and discounted pricing for on-farm solar power programmes. Third Sun Solar will also assist in identifying incentives that can further supplement the cost of solar technology to DFA members.
Farmer-owned cooperative DFA said it is seeing its members increasingly interested in renewable energy as they look for ways to save money and make their farms more environmentally friendly.
David Darr, president of farm services at DFA, said: “Through this partnership with Third Sun Solar, we hope to make solar technology more mainstream as the economic and environmental opportunities for farmers are incredibly beneficial.”
DFA member Gary Kibler, of Kibler Dairy Farm in Warren, Ohio, recently worked with Third Sun Solar to install 480 solar panels at his family farm. According to Third Sun Solar, the panels will provide 163.2 kilowatts of power, which should mean an annual saving of $23,000.
Third Sun Solar co-founder Michelle Greenfield said: “Family farms can be the essence of going green, and dairy farms, in particular, are an untapped resource to bring more renewable energy to the heartland.
“What’s more, panels are far more durable now than 15 or even five years ago. So, with panel prices half of what they used to be, solar is far more attainable for farmers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.”
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