Hotchkiss Organic Orchards
Hotchkiss Organic Orchard Taps Colorado C-PACE
Install 25 kW Renewable Energy System
The Challenge
Ela Family Farms, a Hotchkiss-based certified organic orchard, needed to offset their high energy costs produced by their 7,391 square-foot refrigerated warehouse.
“For four generations, the Ela family has tried to be innovative and farm in the most environmentally-friendly manner possible,” said Steve Ela, the owner of Ela Family Farms. “While we were converting the farm to 100 percent certified organic production, we changed our watering system from wasteful furrow irrigation to sprinkler-and-drip irrigation. A solar PV system to power our fruit coolers with renewable energy seemed like the logical next step.”
“C-PACE financing is a game-changer for our rural county’s agricultural producers and businesses.”
—Brad Burritt, a co-owner of Empowered Energy Systems
The Solution
Hotchkiss-based Empowered Energy Systems, LLC installed the 25 kW solar PV system at Ela Family Farms’ refrigerated warehouse. “C-PACE financing is a game-changer for our rural county’s agricultural producers and businesses,” said Brad Burritt, a co-owner of Empowered Energy Systems. “Being able to offer long-term financing with no down payment makes solar more affordable, and it’s a smart investment for rural businesses. We’re proud to install the first C-PACE project on the Western Slope.”
The Impact
“C-PACE is available statewide to commercial property owners in counties that have joined the program— whether that’s in downtown Denver or rural Delta County,” said Paul Scharfenberger, former chairman of the Colorado New Energy Improvement District. “The relatively small size of this project, and the fact that it was agricultural, didn’t exclude it from obtaining funding. This is a testament to the program’s value and the number of lenders who have signed up to participate.
Region 9 Economic Development District of SW Colorado, a nonprofit that promotes and coordinates economic development efforts throughout southwest Colorado, funded the $60,420 Ela Family Farms investment working through Colorado C-PACE.
About Colorado C-PACE
Colorado C-PACE provides financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency improvements, including new heating/cooling systems, lighting, water pumps, insulation, and renewable energy projects for commercial properties. C-PACE offers long-term financing that covers 100 percent of the project cost and is repaid over a period of up to 25 years as a line item on the existing property tax bill. Because the loan runs with the property, if the building is sold, the repayment obligation cantransfer to the new owner, who enjoys the ongoing utility cost savings associated with the project.
By the Numbers
Project Type:
Retrofit
Building Type:
Farm
Building Size:
7,391 square feet
C-PACE Project Cost:
$60,420
Percent Financed:
100%
Finance Term:
10 Years
Lifetime Cost Savings: