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Rochester Nonprofit, Foodlink, to Save $200K with a Solar PPA
For mission-driven organizations, every dollar has to work harder. Budgets are carefully managed. Funding is finite. And every operational expense—especially ongoing ones like electricity—can pull resources away from what matters most.
But what if one of those fixed costs could become an opportunity?
That’s exactly what happened at Foodlink.
A Smarter Way to Power the Mission
Foodlink, a regional food bank serving communities across Rochester and the Finger Lakes, now hosts a 679-kilowatt rooftop solar array.
With more than 1,100 solar panels installed on its facility, the commercial solar energy system is expected to deliver reliable, clean energy—and approximately $200,000 in electricity savings—over the next 25 years.
Even more impactful? The project required zero upfront investment from Foodlink.
How a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Makes Solar Accessible
This project was made possible through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)—a commercial solar financing model designed to remove the traditional barriers to solar adoption.
Instead of purchasing the system outright, Foodlink serves as the host site for the solar array, while a third-party investor owns and finances the system.
In this case, local entrepreneur Bob Bechtold funded the project and receives a return based on the energy produced.
Meanwhile, Foodlink benefits from:
- Lower electricity costs
- Predictable energy pricing
- No upfront capital investment
- No responsibility for system ownership or maintenance
It’s a structure that aligns financial returns with community impact—making solar for nonprofits a practical solution to maximize and prioritize resources.
Foodlink Solar Project at a Glance
- System Size: 679 kW rooftop solar array
- Panel Count: 1,100+ solar panels
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Estimated Savings: ~$200,000 over 25 years
- Financing Model: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
- Upfront Cost to Foodlink: $0
- System Owner/Investor: Third-party (local investor)Developer, Installer, & O&M Provider: GreenSpark Solar
A True Partnership Approach
Projects like this don’t happen in isolation. They require coordination, expertise, and long-term support.
As the developer, installer, and ongoing operations and maintenance partner, GreenSpark Solar managed the project from concept to completion.
That includes:
- System design and financial modeling
- Coordination with all stakeholders
- Installation and interconnection
- Ongoing system monitoring and maintenance
And now that Foodlink’s solar system is live, GreenSpark continues to proactively monitor performance to ensure the array is producing as expected, maximizing savings and the long-term value of this investment.
Turning Energy Savings into Community Impact
For Foodlink, the benefits of solar extend far beyond the building.
As one of the nation’s oldest food banks, Foodlink supports emergency food relief efforts across a 10-county region. Lower, more predictable energy costs mean greater flexibility in allocating resources and more support for the communities they serve.
Savings generated from the solar array can now be redirected toward:
- Expanding food access programs
- Strengthening community partnerships
- Investing in healthier, more resilient communities
This project also builds on an existing clean energy partnership. In 2021, GreenSpark supported the electrification of Foodlink’s mobile Curbside market vehicles, helping extend the organization’s impact beyond its physical location.
The Foodlink solar project represents the best of what the solar industry has to offer in any community around the country, which is local investment, local labor to build it, and savings to a purpose-driven not-for-profit doing meaningful work in our community.
Why Solar Makes Sense for Nonprofits
For many nonprofits, facilities come with underutilized rooftop space—and rising utility costs.
Solar offers a way to address both.
Whether through direct ownership or a Power Purchase Agreement, organizations can:
- Reduce long-term operating expenses
- Stabilize energy costs in the face of utility rate increases
- Maximize the value of existing infrastructure
- Demonstrate leadership in sustainability
And with financing options like PPAs, going solar doesn’t have to compete with other funding priorities.
Explore how other non-profits have gone solar using this PPA model:
Explore Solar for Your Organization
Foodlink’s project is a powerful example of what’s possible when financial strategy and mission alignment come together.
If your organization is looking for ways to reduce costs while increasing impact, solar may be closer—and more accessible—than you think.
