Palisade orchard goes solar thanks to USDA grant

Fifth-generation farmer Dennis Clark will soon be creating electricity via solar thanks in part to a Rural Development grant Clark secured from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The $44,725 grant will go toward 25 percent of the total project cost, said Scott Wegs of High Noon Solar the company that will install the system for the Clarks.

Clark Family Orchards, 3901 G 1/4 Road in Palisade, grows cherries, apples, peaches, pears and plums. Clark plans to put the solar panels on its packing shed warehouse — “which will help us as electricity costs are soaring,” Clark said.

“We use a huge amount of energy in our warehouse and coolers. We're anxious to have it installed and start generating renewable energy. It'll help offset our electricity costs.”

The solar system will offset roughly 55,000 kilowatt hours yearly, or — at current rates — save about $4,500, Wegs said. With Xcel's new structure the cost savings could be higher, closer to $7,000 a year, he added.

The renewable energy project will also save 116,278 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually, Wegs said.

The 2008 Farm Bill, the Rural Energy for America program, allows businesses in communities of less than 50,000, to apply for the USDA grants for energy-efficient upgrades, or renewable energy installation.

Written by Sharon Sullivan
GJ Free Press