HUNTSINGER FARMS AWARDED GRANT FOR SOLAR INSTALLATION TO SAVE 18 PERCENT ELECTRICITY COSTS

EAU CLAIRE, WI – December 5, 2019 – Huntsinger Farms, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish and the parent company of Silver Spring Foods, announced it has won a $28,902.60 Focus on Energy grant to subsidize a new solar power installation on its Eau Claire farm. Carlson Electric of Hudson, WI will install the solar farm in Spring 2020.

The Huntsinger Farm solar project will be one of the first farm solar installations in Wisconsin. According to the US Energy Information Administration, less than 2% of energy in Wisconsin is generated by solar power today. BMO Harris Bank will provide further financing for the project.

At least 40,000 attendees at Farm Technology Days 2021 Eau Claire, July 20-22, 2021 will be able to tour the new solar field at Huntsinger Farm, the Host Farm for next year’s event.

288 solar panels that make up the Huntsinger Farms solar field are made in North America, and are the same type of solar modules that are mounted on the roof of the US State Department building in Washington, D.C.  The Solar Electric (PV) System operates at 100.00 kW AC and will generate approximately 144,000 Kilowatt Hours per year for Huntsinger – the maximum power generation allowed by Xcel Energy’s standard net-metering policy. The solar field will generate power year-round.

Eric Rygg, president and great grandson of founder Ellis Huntsinger said, “The solar field is an important step in planning for the farm’s future. By harnessing solar energy, we will bring energy costs down dramatically, improve overall efficiency, and move further towards sustainability.

“We hope that other farmers across Wisconsin will come and see the solar field during Farm Technology Days next year and discover how they can install solar on their own farms, too.”

Carlson Electric has extensive experience implementing solar energy solutions of all sizes throughout Wisconsin and beyond, including assisting those who wish to build their own solar farm. Founded in 1977, Carson Electric is a Top 500 rated US Solar Installer focused on helping agricultural, commercial, and residential customers to design, finance, and implement both high quality and smart renewable energy options that are specific to their own needs and use cases. 

About Huntsinger Farms

Huntsinger Farms, Inc., the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish. Its subsidiary Silver Spring Foods, family owned and operated since 1929, processes, packages, and markets horseradish along with a variety of specialty mustards and other quality food products to retail, food service, private label and industrial customers. Visit www.silverspringfoods.com and www.huntsingerfarms.com for more information.