HELP SIMMONS FARM GET SOLAR PANELS

HELP SIMMONS FARM GO SOLAR

The rising increase in electrical rates in Rhode Island is impacting many of us in different ways. At Simmons Farm this is impacting our ability to sustain our working barn and farm stand’s walk-in electric coolers, freezers, milk-tanks, pasteurizers, and various other glass-front coolers. The incident last February when the electric company arrived on our farm to switch off power without any warning shook us greatly and threatened the future of our multigenerational farm.

We’re down, but not out. To ensure our future, we are working with local companies and vendors to make sure all our equipment is as energy efficient as possible, and we're committed to going solar to be, as a farm, more energy responsible, and independent.

Simmons Farm is working with a local company to fit solar panels on our large, southern-facing metal roof for maximum impact. With an estimation of being able to produce 89% of our electrical use right away, solar power will buy us the flexibility we need to maintain our energy needs, and lessen the farm’s overall annual debt.

Solar implementation is slated to cost in total near $80,000. The federal assistance grants we've applied for toward solar panels are substantial, but Simmons Farm will still have to cover out-of-pocket no less than $25,000, and even greater if the grants do not work out in our favor.

Simmons Farm has been part of the Middletown community for generations, and we are hoping to remain a part for generations into the future. We cannot do this on our own, the odds are too great against us. We are looking to our many friends, families, and followers for help. Every contribution made no matter the size will help us reach a level of energy independence to sustain our Farm for the Future.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Simmons Farm