The Official U.S. Maple Syrup Almanac 2016 2016 | Page 17

TODD FORD’S brand new sugarhouse in Poultney, Vt. powered by solar.

seems illogical; however, by placing his panels south of the trees
ensures they stay out of the shadows.
Using solar panels has helped
Wiles build up solar credits that
he can sell back to the power
company. In addition to that revenue stream, Wiles anticipates a
state program where he can sell
“green credits” to other businesses.
“A big industry that’s a polluter
may someday purchase the credits
from you,” Wiles said. “That can
be significant at some point.”
Despite his enthusiasm for solar,
he realizes that “it’s not for everyone, because many homes aren’t
right next to the sugar house for
combining their power needs,”
he said.
U.S. Maple Syrup Almanac

2016

NYSERDA offers free energy
audits to farms and on-farm producers, including maple producers. From a basic walk-through to
a more in-depth audit, applicants
choose the level of audit they need.
“After the audit is completed,
we will be following up with the
farm to go over potential funding
options including utility and federal programs,” said Lisa Coven,
contractor on behalf of NYSERDA and program manager for
EnSave, Inc. in Richmond, VT.
Receiving professional assistance
in choosing the right solar package and programs can make the
process easier for producers and
ensure they’re on track to a successful venture in solar energy.
“This is a great opportunity for

maple producers considering an
upgrade to solar,” Coven said.
“A level III audit will set a maple
producer up for success when
considering the options of going
solar. A free energy audit is a great
starting point for understanding
current energy use and mapping
a plan for more sustainable operation.”

KARL
WILES of
Cedarvale
Maple in
Syracuse,
N.Y.

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