One of the three local projects helping produce emissions-free solar energy for Vermont Smoke & Cure. Photo courtesy of AllEarth Renewables.
Green Energy Times staff article
Vermont Smoke & Cure, of Hinesburg, Vermont, has been making smoked meats and meat snacks since 1962. Over the years, it has shown itself to be very environmentally aware, with additions of renewable power. Lately, however, it has sharpening its already green image, teaming up with AllEarth Renewables, of Williston, Vermont, on a renewable power project to supply more of its electric power needs.
The new addition is the company’s third solar system, and it will be getting almost two-thirds of its power from the sun. The three projects include a 150-kilowatt (kW) orchard in Hinesburg, a 156-kW project in Essex, and an 88-kW system in Marshfield. Together, they will produce about 610,000-kilowatt hours annually of emissions-free solar energy for the food company.
All three projects were built with AllEarth Renewables’ Vermont-made solar trackers. Chris Bailey, CEO of Vermont Smoke & Cure, said, “We are very proud of our partnership with AllEarth renewables, as it helps us achieve our mission to use local and sustainable resources in our products and our business operations whenever possible.”
David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables, added, “It’s extremely gratifying to be working with great Vermont businesses like Vermont Smoke & Cure with national and international markets on greening their energy portfolio and helping them save on electric costs.” He added, “Vermont Smoke & Cure’s solar mix demonstrates how well solar is working to help these companies gain a competitive edge and do right by the local environment.”
Vermont Smoke & Cure’s sustainable action record goes beyond just building solar systems to cut costs. Whenever possible, it uses humanely raised meats and simple, local ingredients. It will retire the Renewable Energy Credits produced by its project. It employs around 70 people, and its team of employee-owners makes everything in its Smokehouse in Hinesburg, Vermont. Its website is vermontsmokeandcure.com.
AllEarth Renewables makes a dual-axis solar tracker that uses innovative GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun through the day, producing up to 45% more energy than a rooftop solar. The company has manufactured and installed more than 3,800 solar tracker systems. Its website is www.allearthrenewables.com.
Photo: One of the three local projects helping produce emissions-free solar energy for Vermont Smoke & Cure. Photo courtesy of AllEarth Renewables.
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