Fourth Generation Family Farm Goes Solar

Gurda Gardens, one of the northeast’s largest produce suppliers, has flipped the switch on a solar power system that now provides approximately 30% of the company’s electricity needs. The 80-kilowatt system, installed by national solar installer groSolar, will be used primarily to provide electricity for the company’s produce grading and packaging equipment.

The Gurda family is well known in the region for their high quality produce, and have been growing and harvesting in Goshen since the early 1930’s. Wayne Gurda, President, comes from four generations of farming experts, who have always involved the entire family in all aspects of the operation, from planting to distribution.

The farm, which is conveniently located within minutes of a major northeast transportation hub, prides itself on being able to reach most of its customers within hours to provide the freshest local produce available.

“We made the decision to go green with a solar power system after realizing what type of environmental impact this installation would have,” says Wayne Gurda. “Over the next 25 years, these solar panels will offset more than 2,000 tons of carbon pollution which is the equivalent to planting about 240 acres of trees. I hope other companies and manufacturing facilities will join with us and take advantage of the endless environmental and economic benefits associated with going solar.”

“After four generations of family farming, the Gurdas are more than just good farmers: they provide an admirable model for how to keep a business going over time, especially one that already has a minimal carbon footprint,” said Jeff Wolfe, groSolar founder and CEO. “groSolar is privileged to help Gurda Gardens continue to lead the way in sustainable and profitable food production for the people of the northeast.”

While groSolar is now the largest 100% domestically-owned solar distributor in the United States, it is still led by the husband-and-wife team who founded it in 1998.  “We’ve installed a lot of solar over the years, but this is one project we’re particularly proud of,” said groSolar Treasurer Dori Wolfe. “While we’ve seen tremendous growth since our early days, we still enjoy that family-style atmosphere at our headquarters, and I think that’s why this installation at Gurda Gardens is one that I feel personally connected to. Solar power is going to significantly reduce the farm’s future utility bills, helping Gurda Gardens to flourish and be profitable in the future, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of that effort.”

New York state incentives, federal tax credits and a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture covered more than 50% of the cost to install the solar power on the rooftop of Gurda’s facility in Goshen, New York. The solar array will provide Gurda Gardens with approximately 10,000 KWH of electricity per month.

About groSolar

groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. Founded in 1998, groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned distributor in the solar industry, and a leading national installation company in North America. The company has offices and warehouses across the US, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers and is a mission-driven company dedicated to providing high quality solar energy solutions and whole energy appreciation. groSolar’s venture capital investors include NGP Energy Technology Partners, SJF Ventures, and Calvert Social Investment Fund.

Contact:

Gaelan Brown                              Diane Zeigler
groSolar, Inc.                               Kimbell Sherman Ellis, LLP
800.374.4494 ext 6528                 802-229-4900 x100
Gaelan.Brown@grosolar.com        Zig@ksefocus.com
www.groSolar.com                       Photography Is Available

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