Kennedy Farms Case Study

Quick Facts:

  • Type: 20.12kw grid tied roof mount

  • Date: Installed 06/07/2017

  • Location: Poultry farm in Tattnall County, GA

  • Benefits: 4-year ROI

  • Reap Grant Recipient

Project Overview

Early in the fall of 2016, Winton Lee Kennedy, a poultry and row crop farmer in Tattnall County, decided to explore the possibility of implementing and using solar power on his two-house poultry farm in Glennville, GA. With the guidance and assistance of Ag Solar Solutions in Hinesville, GA., Mr. Kennedy entered into an agreement for Ag Solar Solutions to design and install a solar array system that would mitigate between 65%-70% of his annual utility costs.

REAP Grant

To help offset the cost of the proposed system, Ag Solar Solutions assisted Mr. Kennedy in applying for a REAP Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This 25% grant, along with the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), would offset the cost of the proposed system by 55%, making for a very favorable Internal Rate of Return. Along with the MACRS Accelerated Depreciation Schedule for businesses, Mr. Kennedy’s pay-back time was estimated to be between 3-4 years.

The Process

Unfortunately, Mrs. Kennedy was diagnosed with serious health issues. The large amount of impending medical bills associated with her illness made it impossible for the Kennedys to proceed. Ag Solar Solutions assured the Kennedys that they would assist in any and every way possible, regardless of the amount of time involved. They stayed in contact with the USDA regarding the grant application and in the spring of 2017, the Kennedys were awarded a UDSA Grant.

Completion

The installation of the solar array system was completed in June of 2017. The Kennedys have enjoyed a significant reduction in their utility costs since June and was so impressed with the professional manner in which Ag Solar Solutions assisted them, both professionally and personally, that they referred Ag Solar Solutions to Mrs. Kennedy’s sister and brother- in-law.