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Powering the Future of Farming with Solar: Russell Farms
Russell Farms, a sixth-generation fruit and vegetable farm in Appleton, NY, has always embraced innovation to stay resilient. Specializing in apple production alongside crops like cabbage, tomatoes, corn, and soybeans, the family-run operation was looking for a solution to one of its biggest operational challenges: the rising cost of electricity—especially for its cold storage facilities.
With over 1,000 acres under cultivation and a strong commitment to sustainable farming, the Russell family saw solar as a long-term investment aligned with their values. “Everything we do has a long-term time horizon,” said Max Russell. “So the solar time horizon was really nothing new for the scope of our general planning. But knowing what electricity costs now—and where it’s going—made the decision clear.”
Why Solar Makes Sense for Agriculture
Solar is increasingly becoming an innovative solution for agricultural producers looking to control energy costs, protect margins, and reinvest in their operations. High energy use, paired with the availability of incentives like USDA REAP grants and the federal Investment Tax Credit, makes solar particularly advantageous for farms.
Jordan Energy, the project developer, understands these dynamics deeply. With decades of experience working directly with farmers and agricultural cooperatives, their approach is rooted in trust and delivering long-term value. “Doing solar in ways that strengthen the family farm is our mission,” said Stephen Jordan, Marketing Manager of Jordan Energy.
Bringing the Project to Life: Jordan Energy + GreenSpark
Jordan Energy partnered with GreenSpark Solar as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner to bring the 750 kWDC rooftop solar project to life.
“GreenSpark came highly recommended by other farmers we know and trust,” Max shared. “They executed every step of the plan exactly as communicated. I had no experience with solar going in—but the process couldn’t have been smoother.”
In fact, throughout project planning, the collaboration was seamless. “Jordan Energy made it very, very easy,” said Matt Peown, GreenSpark’s Project Manager. “Communication was strong throughout. It was a model project that came together exactly how we all hoped it would.”
From GreenSpark’s perspective, the partnership with Jordan Energy was key to success. “Jordan Energy has built a network of trust with the agricultural community that allows companies like ours to come in and have successful installations,” said Matt Vanderbrook, GreenSpark’s Director of Commercial Origination. “I’ve known Bill Jordan for years, and I’m excited we finally got one under our belts. There’s a lot of opportunity ahead—and having a partner like Jordan makes all the difference.”
The Bottom Line: Project Economics & Long-Term Savings
The Russell Farms solar installation was supported by several key incentives:
- USDA REAP Grant (50% of total project cost)
- NYSERDA Grant ($.25 / Watt)
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (30% of total project cost)
- Accelerated Equipment Depreciation
The financial benefits to Russell Farms are just as strong as the environmental ones:
- Estimated year 1 savings: $72,000
- Estimated 25-year savings: $2.5 million
“It’s an incredible return when you look at the full picture. It's projects like this—where we can provide long-term value to farms, families, and the grid—that represent the best of what our team can do.”
Rooted in Trust, Built to Last
Max Russell says it best: “Anyone can sell a project, but what really matters is trust. I picked up the phone and called other farmers who’ve had systems on their roofs for ten years—and they said they’d do it again. That’s what sold me.”
At GreenSpark Solar, we’re proud to partner with developers like Jordan Energy and family-owned farms like the Russells’ to build solar projects that will serve generations.
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