Ohio family farm turns to solar to reduce energy expenses

Third Sun Solar is in the midst of making a major change to one of Trumbull County’s largest dairy farms. Michelle Greenfield, co-founder, Third Sun Solar, said the Athens-based solar energy provider has installed 480 solar panels at Kibler Dairy Farm in Warren, OH.

Greenfield said the panels would provide 163.2 kW of power; and for a farm like this, that means monthly savings in the thousands. The first year alone should provide over $23,000 in avoided electrical payments that can be reinvested in the farm. In turn, this should offset approximately 120 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

“Family farms can be the essence of going green,” Greenfield said. “Dairy farms in particular are an untapped resource to bring more renewable energy to our heartland.”

David Darr, president of farm services at national dairy marketing cooperative Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), of which Kibler Dairy Farm is a member said, “We are seeing a lot of interest in renewable energy as many of our farmers are looking for ways to save money, increase self-reliance and operate their farms in more environmentally friendly ways. 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.”

“Panels are far more durable now than 15 or even five years ago,” Greenfield added. “With panel prices half of what they used to be, solar is far more attainable for farmers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place September 12, 2017 at Kibler Dairy Farm, 5163 Highland Avenue, Warren, Ohio to celebrate the panel installation.

Third Sun Solar is a full-service clean energy company serving homeowners, businesses, institutions and government entities across the Midwest. It is a licensed electrical and general contractor that has installed more than 800 projects and 12,000 kWs of solar energy systems in 14 states since starting in 2000. Additionally, Third Sun Solar is a woman-owned, certified B-Corporation with the mission to accelerate the shift to clean energy.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/ohio-family-farm-turns-to-solar-to-reduce-energy-expenses/]