As a company with roots and close ties to the farming and agricultural industry, it would only make sense that the Earth is extremely important to Stoltzfus Meats! It is our goal to be good stewards of all our resources, which is why we try to be environmentally conscious in our procedures.
At Stoltzfus Meats, we believe that even seemingly small efforts can have a large positive impact on the environment. We try to be mindful of the amount of waste we’re producing, and decrease that waste, by doing things such as recycling cardboard or passing our pallets onto a local business owner who repurposes them into home décor.
Our biggest environmentally conscious project to date was the installation of solar panels in May 2019 at the processing plant. Here’s the press release that was written by Paradise Energy Solutions detailing the project:
Stoltzfus Meats Cuts Overhead and Helps Environment with Solar Energy
Photo credit: Paradise Energy Solutions
Intercourse, PA May 24, 2019 – This month, Leacock-Township-based Stoltzfus Meats energized their 68.64 kW solar system at their fresh sausage and smoked meats production facility located in Intercourse, PA.
Installed by Paradise-based solar installation company, Paradise Energy Solutions, the system will produce 65,000 kWh of clean electricity on an annual basis, offsetting the amount of electricity the company needs to purchase from the local utility.
Stoltzfus Meats had considered going solar in the past, but in 2018, their decision was spurred on by a grant from the PA Department of Community Economic Development which was awarded to eight Lancaster County solar projects.
This, along with other financial incentives such as the 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit from the Federal Government and tax savings on depreciation, allowed Stoltzfus Meats to install their solar system with little upfront cost.
In just a few years, the solar system will have generated enough savings through offsetting utility electricity to pay for itself.
“Our payback, with the grant money from the state, is projected at less than six years,” shares Nate Hershey, Project and Facilities Manager at Stoltzfus Meats. “We felt great about that payback period, especially given the additional non-monetary benefits.”
In just the first year alone, the solar system will have offset 50.7 tons of CO2 1,180 trees, and 107 barrels of oil.
“It’s easy to look at it strictly from dollars and cents and say that the biggest benefit is the cost savings over the life of the system. However, a less quantifiable but key benefit is the opportunity to switch some of our energy use to a renewable source,” Hershey said.
About Stoltzfus Meats - Founded in 1954, Stoltzfus Meats is a family-owned meat processor providing fresh sausages and smoked meats to retailers, market stands, and restaurants throughout the East Coast, including their retail locations in Intercourse, PA and New Castle, DE.
About Paradise Energy Solutions - Paradise Energy Solutions is a family-owned, full-service solar installation company that provides turn-key grid-tied solar installations throughout the mid-Atlantic region for businesses, farmers and homeowners. Their vision is to help people be good stewards of God’s abundant resources.
While we know that there is always room to grow when it comes to being environmentally friendly, we hope it’s clear that we care about our environment! As we move into the future, we are committed to continue our efforts to decrease waste and take care of the beautiful world we have been given.
Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands. Psalm 102:25
