Bright Feeds, a New England-based startup, commissioned Solect Energy, a Maryland solar contractor, to build a 300-kWDC solar system at its 25,000-sq-ft animal feed manufacturing plant in Berlin, Connecticut. The 625-panel project will provide one-third of the plant’s total energy.
Credit: Bright Feeds
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our process that not only make business sense but also support our sustainability mission and contribute to a healthier environment,” said Jonathan Fife, CEO of Bright Feeds. “Our new solar PV system advances our mission while also providing power to our operations and reducing our monthly energy costs. Solect was great to work with throughout the process, helping us navigate engineering, local permitting and other necessary approvals, ongoing maintenance and more.”
Bright Feeds uses artificial intelligence and drying technology at its Berlin facility to convert unwanted food into an all-natural soy and corn substitute for animal feed. The company serves customers across the Northeast, from animal feed suppliers to dairy farms, and diverts tens of thousands of tons of wasted food from the region’s waste stream each year.
“It was outstanding working with Bright Feeds to support the long-term sustainability of their operations,” said Andreas Schmid, VP of business development at Solect Energy. “This solar project will save them over $1.5 million in electricity costs over the 25-year life of the system while contributing to their overall sustainability efforts.”
News item Bright Feeds
