On November 18, community members, partners and local leaders gathered in Reddick, Florida, as PPM Solar hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of DeConna Ice Cream’s new 794-kW ballasted ground-mount solar system. The project was supported by federal tax credits as well as a USDA REAP grant secured with assistance from PPM Solar.
Founded in 1947 by WWII veteran Don “Big Daddy” DeConna, the company has grown into a staple brand across the Southeastern United States, distributing products in 23 states. Under the leadership of third-generation president Nick DeConna, the company continues to expand while prioritizing sustainability and energy independence.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate — not just in our products, but in how we operate,” said Nick DeConna. “Going solar allows us to stabilize our energy costs, reduce our carbon footprint and support long-term efficiency across our operations.”
The installation now offsets ~65% of DeConna’s annual electricity usage, powering the majority of operations at the Reddick distribution facility.
“This project gives DeConna decades of stable, predictable energy costs,” said Jason Gonos, co-founder and director of PPM Solar.
“It’s a powerful example of how traditional businesses can adopt modern clean-energy solutions without compromising financial performance.”
News item from PPM Solar
