Case Study: Solarize WA Ag
Increasing rural access to solar through group-purchasing, specifically for the Washington agricultural community.
10/31/20242 min read
CASE STUDY: Solarize Washington Ag 2024 (SWAAG)
Increasing rural access to solar through group purchasing.
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BACKGROUND
ZEN launched the Solarize WA Ag Program (SWAAG) in 2024 to lower the cost of solar for farmers by enabling group-purchasing, allowing for economies of scale. ZEN served as the program lead, providing end-to-end support. This case study explores the results of SWAAG using supporting data.
PROGRAM DESIGN
ZEN ran a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process that attracted local electrical and solar contractors. By joining SWAAG, farmers:
Benefited from a simplified proposal process.
Benefited from a simplified proposal process.
Won a USDA REAP grant to help finance projects.
Were provided a standardized contract, backed by ZEN’s expertise, to ensure compliance and protect their interests.
IMPLEMENTATION
Through SWAAG, 20 farmers installed over 600kW of solar capacity on their farms. The installations will generate an estimated 725,000 kWh of clean energy annually, enough to power approximately 60 homes in Washington. Solar installation costs were lowered by 25% compared to other rural projects, thanks to SWAAG’s tiered pricing model. This structure, combined with the competitive RFP process, resulted in approximately $430,000 in savings for participating farmers.
CONCLUSION
SWAAG successfully demonstrated how group purchasing, combined with expert program coordination and grant writing, can make solar energy accessible and affordable for agricultural producers. ZEN's management of the program combined 25% cost savings with $900k in grant money to make these projects financially viable for participants.
SWAAG not only provided immediate financial benefits to the participants, but also set them up for long-term success with 30-year solar projects that will generate clean energy and reduce operational costs. With a model that benefits both the environment and local economies, SWAAG is a blueprint for renewable energy adoption in agricultural and rural communities.
GRANT SUPPORT
ZEN’s role as the grant writer was critical in securing $850,000 in funding from the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provided significant financial support for the farmers. By coordinating the grant process and providing full-service support, ZEN ensured that farmers could confidently move forward with projects, knowing they were receiving maximum value and protection through a standardized contract.
CONTRACTOR'S ROLE
Ameri-West, the winning contractor, provided solar, electrical, and general contracting expertise, ensuring that each installation was completed to the highest standards. Based out of Spokane, Ameri-West brought much-needed capabilities to rural Washington, where such solutions are often difficult to access. Their ability to navigate the unique challenges of rural energy projects, combined with their experience in both solar and electrical installations, made them a key partner in ensuring the program's success. Lastly, as a general contractor, Ameri-West’s capabilities have benefited agricultural producers in non-solar REAP grants.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
The solar installations from SWAAG will generate 725,000 kWh of clean energy annually, enough to power approximately 60 homes in Washington. The projects are expected to last for 30 years, providing decades of energy savings, amounting to $3,700,000. The farmers can now lower their operational costs, while contributing to Washington's renewable energy goals, by "farming sunshine."
