We're adding even more sunshine to our cider!

Back in 2024, we applied for (and were awarded) a grant through the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (better known as a REAP Grant). That funding allowed us to move forward on something we've been dreaming about for years: installing solar arrays on the roofs of our barns, Tasting Room, and Cidery. The grant covers about a third of the initial costs, and should pay for itself in reduced power costs within the next 3 years

Once complete, these panels will generate approximately 95% of the energy we use. Between keeping apples cool in our cold storage rooms, grinding fruit & pressing pulp to extract cider, and powering the day-to-day operations of the Tasting Room and cidery, our energy needs are significant. Producing nearly all of that power ourselves is an exciting milestone

This project has been on our minds for a long time. Our cidermaker, Chuck, studied environmental sciences at UVA, so conversations about energy and sustainability have always been close to home. More recently, watching rural Virginia grapple with the expansion of new power lines has only strengthened our commitment to generating more of our own electricity. Producing the bulk of the power that we need to operate reduces both our demand and reliance on the grid

This entire process has been a long and sometimes arduous journey. From writing the grant to navigating permits, planning, and pre-installation requirements, every step has taught us something new. We're excited to finally see it coming together and optimistic that all the effort will be well worth it

We thought we had it rough during this summer's string of 100-degree days, when the heat has us farming around the cooler edges of the day and retreating indoors while the sun is at its highest. But the hardworking crews installing these solar panels haven't hesitated to climb onto the rooftops in that same blazing heat. We'll happily continue applauding them; from the ground, and preferably from the shade