A large part of the GreenSpark Solar identity includes our membership and co-ownership of the Amicus Solar Cooperative, a Certified B Corp made up of 63 high-quality, independent, values-driven solar energy companies across all 50 states, Washington DC, plus Canada and Puerto Rico. 

Through Amicus, GreenSpark is able to compete with larger, National companies while remaining local, independent, mission-driven and hands-on. Of the many perks Amicus offers, including industry-best pricing on quality equipment, GreenSpark is able to expand our opportunities through programs and partnerships such as Organic Valley’s Powering the Good Loan Fund.

Organic Valley, the nation’s largest organic, farmer-owned cooperative, teamed up with the Clean Energy Credit Union, a nonprofit, tax-exempt cooperative credit union, to launch the Powering the Good Loan Fund. The goal of this fund is to accelerate energy improvements by providing the best loan terms exclusively for Organic Valley member-farms seeking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels with renewable energy. 

“Organic Valley leads on renewable energy. We have been 100% renewable powered in our owned facilities since 2019, and now we are going a step further,” said Bob Kirchoff, Organic Valley CEO. “We are focused on a whole systems approach to renewable energy, and I’m excited to debut this energy loan fund. From the farm to the shelf, I see renewable energy playing a bigger role in organic food. We are providing farmers a means to reduce their energy costs and become more self-sufficient and sustainable. Farmers who participate in this loan fund contribute to a healthy, regenerative future for the next generation.”

Organic Valley farms now have access to the best rates and terms available in energy financing, creating a new opportunity to make the switch to solar power and reduce electricity costs. To install these renewable energy systems for their local farms, Organic Valley turned to the Amicus Solar Cooperative members across the country.

Kevin Schulte, GreenSpark’s CEO, shared his thoughts around the program. “GreenSpark is thrilled to be working with Organic Valley and the Clean Energy Credit Union.  The intersection of regenerative agriculture and renewable energy is critical in the effort to stave off climate change.  Providing high-quality solar installations and effective financing are key to bringing this opportunity to market. We look forward to helping the farmers of Organic Valley here in Western & Central New York take advantage of this opportunity, and we are excited that our friends in the Amicus Solar Cooperative will help Organic Valley farmers nationwide.”

“This is a great example of cooperation among cooperatives to pursue our aligned missions,” said Blake Jones, Volunteer Board chair of Clean Energy CU. “Organic Valley is already helping to protect the environment through regenerative and organic farming practices, and now they’re going one step further by supporting the installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for their farmer-members. In addition to the environmental benefits, we’re also excited about helping family farmers throughout the USA to lower their energy costs and improve the bottom line of their independently owned farms.”