Huntsinger Farms gains grant money to add 100-kW solar array on Wisconsin farm
Huntsinger Farms, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish and the parent company of Silver Spring Foods, has won a $28,902.60 Focus on Energy grant to subsidize a new solar power installation on its Eau Claire, Wis., farm. Carlson Electric of Hudson, Wis., will install the solar farm in Spring 2020.
The Huntsinger Farm solar project will be one of the first farm solar installations in Wisconsin. According to the US Energy Information Administration, less than 2% of energy in Wisconsin is generated by solar power today. BMO Harris Bank will provide further financing for the project.
Eric Rygg, president and great grandson of founder Ellis Huntsinger said, “The solar field is an important step in planning for the farm’s future. By harnessing solar energy, we will bring energy costs down dramatically, improve overall efficiency, and move further towards sustainability.
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Project details
288 solar panels that make up the Huntsinger Farms solar field are made in North America, and are the same type of solar modules that are mounted on the roof of the US State Department building in Washington, D.C. The PV system operates at 100 kW AC and will generate approximately 144,000 kWh per year for Huntsinger – the maximum power generation allowed by Xcel Energy’s standard net-metering policy.
Carlson Electric has extensive experience implementing solar energy solutions of all sizes throughout Wisconsin and beyond, including assisting those who wish to build their own solar farm. Founded in 1977, Carson Electric is focused on helping agricultural, commercial, and residential customers to design, finance, and implement both high quality and smart renewable energy options that are specific to their own needs and use cases.
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