This fall, our team helped the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), a nonprofit organization based in Hardwick, VT, make the switch to solar power at one of their facilities. CAE supports locally sourced foods and producers with the goal of building a healthy, ecological, and equitable food system for their community.
The building where we installed a 400-panel solar array is known as the Food Hub. It primarily serves as a food storage facility for CAE’s logistics and distribution service, Farm Connex, which works with small- to medium-sized farmers throughout the region.
We asked Jon Ramsay, Executive Director of CAE, a few questions about the project. Read on to learn what motivated them to go solar, how the installation process went from their perspective, how solar energy aligns with their mission, and more about this exciting installation.
What inspired CAE to make the decision to transition to solar power?
CAE has been working to incorporate renewable energy into our work and operations for many years. It is an investment in both the climate and helps support the work we do with local farmers for decades.
How has switching to solar energy supported or enhanced CAE’s commitment to regenerative farming practices?
Choosing to use solar energy at the Food Hub is an extension of CAE’s commitment to local agriculture. Our choice demonstrates how agriculture can and must work in concert with environmental sustainability. CAE is an extension of the farmers and producers we work with in this space, and we are proud to help create a future with healthy working lands, abundant & accessible local food, and communities where everyone can thrive.
What factors were most important to you when selecting an installation partner for your project?
Competitive price, reliability and the ability to get the project done in a timely manner.
Does your solar system integrate with other renewable or sustainable initiatives at CAE? If so, could you share how these systems work together to make your operations more sustainable?
CAE designed the Food Hub with energy efficiency and the environment in mind, their facility supports the needs of farms, food businesses, and the community with tangible, climate-forward infrastructure. The solar panels, installed by Green Mountain Solar, are the final piece of a four-part efficient heating, cooling, and power system for the facility.
The Food Hub’s refrigeration system uses CO2 instead of freon, which does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. CAE invested in this refrigeration technology to power the 5,000 square feet of cooler and freezer space. The other two climate conscious investments include heat pump hot water heaters and high efficiency wood pellet boilers.
Beyond cost savings, what other benefits have you seen since going solar?
It is a step towards where we are hoping to go in the future. Doing this project has demonstrated that CAE can successfully complete a project at this scale and that inspires confidence in funders for future projects.
Based on your experience, what would you say to other organizations considering solar energy?
It is a long-term investment and worth investing in.
With shared goals of protecting the planet and building a brighter future for Vermonters, we were thrilled to be selected as CAE’s solar installation partner. We look forward to seeing how their solar system supports their operations over the long term and inspires other organizations throughout the community!