At Bishop Orchards in Connecticut, sunlight helps apples, berries and pumpkins grow.
Now, Bishop's Orchard also uses sunlight to generate electricity through nearly 1,500 solar panels.
The panels are located on farm market rooftops and on previously barren land unsuitable for growing crops.
They provide about 75% of the orchard's electricity needs.
Keith Bishop, the fifth generation of his family to run the orchard, said he used solar power in part because he wanted to help keep the farm afloat for future generations.
Bishop: “My inspiration for solar is being able to help control energy costs on our future farms and be more sustainable.”
Bishop also said he is worried about climate change and extreme weather such as flooding and severe storms, which have been devastating to some Connecticut farmers.
He said his solar installation is inspiring others in the community to consider going solar.
Bishop: “The visibility of our solar operations… helps us be known and recognized for doing the right thing for the future environment. … It also raises awareness for other people to say, ‘Hey, I should consider this. Solar? How did you do it?
Reporting credit: Ethan Friedman/ChavoBart Digital Media
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