Randolph, Vermont, December 17, 2014– Aegis Renewable Energy installed the largest single rooftop solar array in the state at Ayers Brook Goat Dairy in Randolph, VT owned by Vermont Creamery. Generating 200,000 kWh of electricity per year, the array will power the farm and send excess energy through the GMP-Green Mountain Power regional grid to offset electricity used at the Creamery’s cheese making facility. Vermont farms are increasingly investing in long-term sustainable and renewable energy like solar and wind power to reduce operating costs and support environmental and sustainability goals. More than 50 Vermont farms have installed renewable energy systems to offset their electricity usage and source their energy locally.
“In developing this project with Vermont Creamery we were able to find the best solutions to offset their electrical load and dramatically reduce their electric bill by installing a complete solar array on their new barn,” said Nils Behn, CEO of Aegis. “Keeping prime agricultural land open is a driving factor in our designs and we are proud that this project had zero impact on land usability. Vermont Creamery’s genuine commitment to the environment and social responsibility, while also being one of Vermont’s most successful agricultural based businesses, has been inspirational.”
The 181kW roof top solar array was installed on a newly constructed 21,000-square-foot barn at Ayers Brook Farm and includes 572 solar panels.
“As a demonstration goat dairy, our mission at Ayers Brook is to provide farmers with an open book model of best practices in farming,” said Vermont Creamery co-founder, Bob Reese. “Investing in renewable energy and reducing our environmental impact were important components of that mission and Aegis helped to get us where we wanted to be.”
About Aegis Renewable Energy
Aegis Renewable Energy offers full-service community-scale renewable energy solutions for farms, businesses, non-profits, and municipalities. Wind, Solar and Anaerobic digesters (cow manure and food waste) are included in Aegis’ services designed to help clients save money and the planet. Aegis Renewable Energy is located in Waitsfield, Vermont and provides cost evaluation, permitting, and financing support, installation, and maintenance services throughout Vermont and New England. Learn more at www.aegis-re.com.
About Vermont Creamery
Combining the European tradition of cheesemaking with Vermont’s terroir, Vermont Creamery’s line of fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and crème fraîche have won over 100 national and international awards. In their 30th year of business, Vermont Creamery supports a network of more than 15 family farms, promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. B Corp Certified in 2014, Vermont Creamery is the founder of Ayers Brook Goat Dairy, the country’s first demonstration goat dairy. For more information, visit www.vermontcreamery.com.
Source: Randolph, Vermont, December 17, 2014– Aegis Renewable Energy