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Rodman Lott & Sons Farm

Crop Farmer in Seneca Falls, NY Saves With Solar

Seneca Falls, NY | 72.8 kW System

Rodman Lott & Son Farms has been growing no-till corn and soybeans on their 3,000-acre plot in the Finger Lakes since 1988.

Looking for a way to reduce the farm’s recurring expenses, Rodman Lott began exploring electricity alternatives to fuel their 400,000-bushel drying and storage facility.

In the fall of 2018, Lott settled on solar energy. Watch as he shares why solar was a sound investment for his farm and how working with Paradise Energy led to a smooth and successful installation.

Project Details

Financial Impact
Total System Cost
$
Savings
Total Savings
-$0
Net Cost (after incentive)
$0

Financial impact figures are not available for this project.

Financial Highlights
  • 64% installation cost covered by tax credits & grants

  • 7 yr. expected time for system payback

  • 13.2% ROI

System Overview

224 solar panels and 2 inverters

72.8 kW System

Production: 86,993 kWh annually

Environmental Impact
Tons of CO2 Offset

Tons of CO2 Offset / Year:

67.7

Tree Offset

Tree Offset / Year:

1,574.6

Barrels of Oil Offset

Barrels of Oil Offset / Year:

142.7

Benefits of Solar for Rodman Lott & Son Farms

  • The solar system provides 97% of the farm’s electricity
  • With no moving parts, the solar system requires little maintenance
  • State and federal incentives drastically reduced installation costs
  • In just a few years, the system will have saved Lott enough on energy to pay for itself, leaving decades of free electricity

Testimonial

"I'm glad we went with Paradise. I think they treated us well and did everything that they said they were going to do and more."

Rodman Lott

Rodman Lott & Son Farms

Limiting Recurring Expenses

Limiting Recurring Expenses

For many farmers, electric costs are an unavoidable recurring expense – and they can add up quickly.

 

Rodman Lott & Son Farms’ 400,000-bushel drying and storage facility consumes 80% of the farm’s electricity in just two months during the fall harvest. With New York’s high electric rates, Lott was eager to find a less expensive way to power his farm.

 

Turning to solar energy, Lott installed a solar array that can power those machines and the rest of the farm, which frees up money to invest elsewhere.

Solar Energy or Wind Turbine?

Solar Energy or Wind Turbine?

When Lott first started looking for a way to reduce electricity costs, he leaned towards a wind turbine. However, the deal fell through and he began looking into solar.

 

With plenty of low electricity bills under his belt, Lott feels now that solar was the best option all along.

 

“I now think solar is a better option due to the lack of moving parts, making it less maintenance. Also, the ability to size the system to exact electricity needs is an advantage” – Rodman Lott, The Finger Lakes Times

 

Does Solar Really Work in New York?

Does Solar Really Work in New York?

New York is not known as The Sunshine State. So how well could an electricity-generating system dependent on sunshine do?

 

Solar systems can perform very well in New York, and many attractive federal and local incentives make the system’s payback remarkably quick.

 

With the federal tax credit, accelerated depreciation, a NYSERDA grant, and a USDA REAP grant, Lott installed his system for just 17% of the cost.

 

Learn more about New York solar incentives.

Just like Rodman, You could save money with solar

Take the first step to a great financial investment and request your free no-obligation quote…