Farm-Way Installs Solar Energy System With groSolar

Bradford, Vt. (June 5, 2009)– Farm-Way Inc. has joined Vermont’s growing list of companies that have made the switch to solar power. Installed by White River Junction-based groSolar, the solar solution will generate almost 60 kilowatts of electricity for the company – almost half its energy consumption.

“In this economy, investing in solar power is a simple, smart business decision,” said Farm-Way Co-Owner Skip Metayer. “This system is also good for the planet - it keeps 76,000 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere per year, that's like taking 11 passenger cars off the road for a year. We hope other area businesses will join us and go solar as well.”

Farm-Way received financial assistance from the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund, a renewable energy loan program run by the Vermont Department of Public Service.

The 26-year-old clothing company is family-owned and operated in Bradford, and has grown to include a robust online business and more than $4 million in inventory, with online sales expected to grow in the coming decade.

“The installation is already paying back faster than we ever anticipated,” said Metayer. “In the next five years, we are hoping to go completely off-grid, and maybe even make a little extra energy. I don’t get excited about much, but when I can see that we are making more electricity than we’re using, it’s a pretty good feeling.”

The system, to be unveiled June 12 in a ceremony with Governor Jim Douglas, will provide nearly half the power used by the outfitter’s 12,000 sq. foot headquarters, which employs 36 people. Solar power has rapidly become an attractive investment proposition for companies of all sizes in Vermont as costs have come down and renewable-energy production incentives have gone up. The recent passage of H.446 will only increase this trend as the bill sets more favorable rates for small-scale solar production similar to Farm-Way’s.

groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe has been a vocal supporter of the legislation. groSolar is the fastest growing tech company in Vermont, and the world’s largest exclusively U.S. owned solar distributor.

“I’m always happy to see local companies realizing that solar is ‘in step’ with Vermont traditions like community and self-sufficiency,” said groSolar’s Commercial Project Manager, Kevin McCollister. “Farm-Way is a family-owned and operated business that spans three generations. By choosing solar, they are taking steps to secure the next generation’s future.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on June 12 at 2 p.m. at Farm-Way’s Bradford location at 286 Waits River Rd. Governor Douglas will be in attendance, and the event will include music and refreshments. Representatives from Farm-Way and groSolar will also be speaking.

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About groSolar
groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S. owned distribution company in the solar industry. Founded in 1998, groSolar has offices and warehouses across the continent, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, CO, MT, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Evergreen Solar, PanelClaw, Motech, Heliodyne, SMA, Fronius and UniRac into simple solar energy solutions for customers that generate clean, reliable energy for decades. groSolar is a mission-driven company dedicated to providing high quality solar energy solutions and whole energy appreciation. groSolar’s venture capital investors include NGP Energy Technology Partners, SJF Ventures, and Calvert Social Investment Fund. Learn more at groSolar.com or call 800.374.4494 from 8am–5pm EST.

About Farm-Way, Inc.
Farm-Way is a family owned and operated business located in Bradford, VT. From our very beginnings in 1983, we have listened to our customers. With this in mind the store has grown to 17 acres of land and more than 4 million dollars in inventory.

While the store has grown, customer service has always remained our number one priority. It does not matter if you have come here to purchase a new shovel, frying pan, or an entire outfit; the same great help can be expected.

We special order items all the time, and chances are that by time you need another, we will already have it in stock. This is how Farm-Way has grown to be what it is today: by listening to our customers and stocking the items that customers want and need.