FEATURED SYSTEM

Live Earth Farm

Watsonville, CA | 15 kW AC

This organic family farm gets most of its electricity from its new solar electric system. Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Watsonville, California, Live Earth Farm grows a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs year round, providing the community with fresh, organic and sustainably grown produce.

Owner Tom Broz expects the solar electric system will pay for itself in 7 to 8 years. Broz explained, “We wanted to use solar electric to offset our electric use for pumping water, running the cooler and other basic needs on the farm. As an organic farm solar fits in with our mission to be responsible stewards of the earth.”

In furthering their commitment to sustainable farming while reducing their farm’s energy costs, Live Earth Farm enlisted Full Circle Solar to install a system. Rated at 18,304 watts DC, and 15.3 kW AC, the system uses 88 Sharp solar panels (208 watts DC each) and 3 Fronius inverters. The system is expected to meet 80 percent of the farm’s energy demands.

The solar electric system was designed to be installed in phases. There is additional mounting rack in place to accommodate panels in the future which will allow the array to grow, ensuring a clean and reliable source of energy for years to come.

Live Earth Farm is an integral part of the community. It provides educational programs for children, workshops and farm events. These give the public a chance to connect directly with the farm and see where their food comes from. Live Earth Farm supplies produce to over 500 members, as well as farmers markets and grocery stores.

Broz says, “Organically grown is not just a label; we believe it is a way of farming where one honors the connection of all living beings and their dependence upon each other.”