In a bid to promote sustainable farming, Oakridge Dairy in Connecticut has started powering portions of its operations through a new solar installation.
"The US dairy industry has reduced the carbon footprint of milk by 63% in recent decades, and Oakridge is proud to be a leader in this effort," said Seth Bahler, CEO of Oakridge Dairy LLC. "We strive to create the farm of the future... by embracing innovation to empower sustainable operations."
The 120-year-old farm is one of the largest dairy farms in the Northeastern US, with nearly 3,000 cows on site, meaning Oakridge faces significant electricity needs. To meet these needs sustainably, the farm partnered with Earthlight Technologies to install 752 Maxeon solar panels on top of an eight-acre barn capable of generating 1,200 kWh per day.
To account for the varying environmental conditions they will operate in, the solar panels are protected under a 40-year warranty. This warranty will also serve to reduce the need for new materials or solar panel recycling, thereby preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions while generating clean power.
"Oakridge Dairy is a remarkably forward-thinking business, and Maxeon takes great satisfaction in being a key part of their unique and sustainable business operations," said Vikas Desai, Maxeon's Chief Commercial Officer. "Together with our partner, Earthlight Technologies, we are accelerating the transition to clean energy and empowering customers like Oakridge to realize their mission of building a better future."
