A 6-acre field of solar panels is providing power to Allen Harim’s Harbeson, Del., poultry processing plant. The energy produced by the solar panels will supply about 11-12% of the energy used at the Harbeson facility.

The 1.57MW, multi-million dollar solar project features 4,992 solar panels, and is projected to generate 2.3 million kWh of power each year, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,616 metric tons every year. The project was developed by Alternative Energy Development Group, Berwyn, Pa., and is owned and operated by Onyx Renewable Partners, New York. Allen Harim purchased 100% of the power produced from the project under a 20-year power purchase agreement, and the system is live and interconnected to the Delmarva Power grid. 

“This is another exciting environmental project for our company here in Harbeson, and we are grateful to all our partners for making it happen,” says Joe Moran, president and CEO.

The Seaford, Del.-based company pledged to use some of the savings realized from the renewable energy project to create a college scholarship fund for the children of employees and growers. The Allen Harim Legacy Scholarship will provide $2,500 scholarships for children of employees and growers to attend college or trade schools.

“The addition of a multi-megawatt solar system [that] will generate clean, reliable and affordable power for decades to come for Allen Harim fits perfectly with Allen Harim’s balanced approach to running a fiscally-prudent and environmentally-responsible company,” says Chris Fraga, founder and CEO of Alternative Energy Development Group. “We applaud Allen Harim’s investors, their leadership team and the Harbeson staff for their vision and commitment to the project.”