Local tour highlights innovative solar project at Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, Rep. Milou Mackenzie and local residents join statewide enviro group PennEnvironment to learn the benefits of going solar

Bethlehem, PA – State and local officials and residents joined owners from Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery and the nonprofit environmental group PennEnvironment for an informative tour of the farm’s innovative solar project followed by a social hour. The tour was held to educate Bethlehem residents and officials about the benefits of solar energy and importance of state and federal level incentives for Pennsylvanians considering going solar. 

“There’s never been a better time for small businesses to use the power of the sun to electrify their businesses,” said Madeleine, organizer for PennEnvironment. “Plentiful sunshine and generous solar incentives are here. Now more businesses in Pennsylvania just need to take advantage of them.” 

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, Rep. Milou Mackenzie, Black River Farms Owners, PennEnvironment Staff and Lehigh Valley locals gathered for a photo in front of the solar farmPhoto by Staff | TPIN

In 2010, Black River Farms installed a 200 Kw ground-mounted solar field. They utilized grant funding from the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program, which allocated funding for solar projects for Pennsylvania homeowners and small businesses. The solar field still produces enough energy, 15 years post installation, to offset about 200% of the farm’s annual electricity usage.

“We got a state grant. We were part of the PA Sunshine Fund. That was very helpful, said Andrew Warner, co-owner of Black River Farms. “Right now we’re a little bit better than breakeven from a financial perspective. And we know that with all the carbon offsets that we’ve brought to this planet by doing this, it’s equivalent to about 5300 trees. So we know we’ve done a lot of good.”

Black River Farms was able to go solar with the support of past state clean energy incentives that reduced the cost of the installation. Other businesses that want to follow suit have the added benefit of federal solar energy tax credits that can dramatically lower the price tag for going solar. 

“People want to do the right thing for the environment,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “But at the same time in many instances they are having to make financial decisions as well. So, we’re trying to make sure that as the market and consumers are headed in that direction of choosing alternative and renewable energy sources, we want to make sure that they are available and that they have the proper and appropriate level of support from the government to make those viable as a financial decision as well.” 

Solar energy is abundant, efficient and increasingly affordable, and small businesses are often great candidates for solar. Harnessing more energy from the sun would mean cleaner air, a more stable climate, less strain on natural resources, and an energy source we can depend on to be virtually pollution-free for as long as we can imagine. Plus, going solar increases energy independence and reliability and allows small businesses to save a ton of money on their utility bills.

“I’ve been installing and designing solar for about 21 years,” said Wes Checkeye, co-owner of Lehigh Valley solar installation company Evoke Solar. “We’ve gotten to see thousands and thousands of people, residences, and businesses choose to go solar, save money, help the environment, and continue to make the world a better palace. So, we’re excited to continue that process.”

Right now, Pennsylvania is currently ranked 26th in the nation for solar power. Black River Farm owners hope that their array can inspire other small businesses across Pennsylvania to follow their lead, choose clean energy, and help Pennsylvania become a solar leader.

PennEnvironment is holding events like this throughout the state to help spread the word about the benefits of going solar so that more houses of worship, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals can invest in a clean energy future too.