DSD and Jordan Energy unveil 1.9 MW solar installation at Dairy Farmers of America plant
In partnership with Jordan Energy, DSD Renewables announced the completion of a new 1.9 MW ground mount solar system at a Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) dairy facility in Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania. The project helps the family farmer-owned Cooperative expand its commitment to a more sustainable future.
Several DFA member dairy farms have already installed solar panels, but this is the first installation at a DFA plant. DFA’s sustainability program is an integral part of the Cooperative’s social responsibility commitment, with nearly 200 on-farm renewable energy projects currently underway. As of 2020, DFA had 15 solar projects in the planning stages at member sites across the country.
“Sustainability and environmental stewardship are deeply ingrained in our family farmers’ operations. The DFA mark signifies our continuous commitment to sustainability in all of our efforts as we work toward a net-zero greenhouse gas footprint,” says Tom Shephard, Director of Energy Programs at DFA. “Working with DSD and Jordan Energy on the Middlebury Center project supports our growing investments in clean, renewable energy and helps create a sustainable future.”
“Farmers are our original environmentalists,” says Jon Morton, Vice President of Asset Acquisitions at DSD. “Our approach to solar asset ownership enables agricultural sites to reap the benefits of clean energy, cost savings, and our expertise in maintenance and management, without disrupting operations or land stewardship.”
The solar project was initiated by solar development company Jordan Energy & Food Enterprises, then later acquired by DSD, who will act as the long-term owner of the solar system.
“We have worked closely with DFA for many years to bring solar economic and environmental benefits to DFA members and coop sites, such as the Middlebury Center milk processing plant,” says Jordan Energy’s Founder and CEO, Bill Jordan.
Once operational, the site will provide 18% of the plant’s yearly energy needs. It will generate an estimated 2,012,633 kWh annually, offsetting the equivalent of 1,426 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. This usage equates to taking 310 cars off the road, or the equivalent of 259 home’s energy use for a year.
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