Radiance Solar, an Atlanta-based provider of turnkey solar energy installations, has completed the installation of a 100 kW solar power system at Providence Hill Farm in Jasper.
Amicalola EMC interconnected the system on its grid on February 18, 2014. It is the largest solar power system in the utility’s service area.
The solar installation will provide nearly 100 percent of the electricity required to meet the poultry’s operation. The roof-mounted system will generate more than 130,000 kWh of power annually.
The 333 solar modules are made by Suniva, an Atlanta, Georgia based company.
This solar installation proves that adoption of solar among agricultural businesses is growing as the cost of solar continues to drop. The prospect of achieving greater certainty over energy expense is an attractive benefit in the poultry industry. Providence Hill Farm received a 25 percent USDA grant for the project, as well as a 30 percent Federal Tax Credit.
“The potential of solar for the agricultural market is huge,” said Sam Hilley, account manager at Radiance Solar. “With lower costs and incentives, we are now able to offer our clients a two to five year payback and significant long-term savings over the 30 year life of the system.”
Bank of North Georgia, a division of Synovus Bank, has also teamed up with Daniel English and Radiance Solar to complete the project.