When Eileen Flanagan and John Cochrane moved to Vassalboro, Maine and founded their farm, Junction Garden LLC, they knew they had a lot to learn about diversified agriculture in Maine. As they developed their market farm and growing business, one goal stood out: “We were very clear that we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint and use renewable energy,” says Eileen.
Both farmers had pursued prior careers and had homesteading experience and were thus armed with a variety of skills. They also knew where to look for technical expertise and financing and found partners in Maine to help them realize their energy plans even while growing their business. Today the farm has ground-mounted photovoltaic panels capable of generating up to 14kW of power. They also utilize a geothermal heating system for their home. Other farm necessities, such as the greenhouse and cooler, rely on electricity, making the farm petroleum-free.
To realize their renewable energy goals, in 2018 Eileen and John turned first to Revision Energy (a Certified B Corp). The solar installer helped them decide on ground-mounted panels, since roof-mounted panels would have been too heavy for either the house or barn (both more than a century old). They decided to move quickly to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit offered at the time.
At seventy acres, Junction Garden includes hay fields, woods, and gardens. The farm produces fruits, vegetables, log-grown Shiitake mushrooms, and natural dye plants and fibers. They also raise livestock, including laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Nigerian Dwarf goats and Icelandic and Finn Sheep. Located in Central Maine partway between Waterville and Augusta, the rural farm belongs to several nearby farmers’ markets where their diverse products are welcomed by shoppers.
After installing the first solar panels in 2018, the farm continued to develop, and its energy needs increased. By 2023, they realized they needed to scale up their ability to generate solar power. They learned about USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which offers competitive grants for farms and rural small businesses. At the time REAP covered up to 50% of the cost of eligible projects to access renewable energy or increase energy efficiency. “When we learned about REAP, we breathed a sigh of relief,” says Eileen. “With the grant, we said, ‘we can do it, and we can do it now.’”
Once again, Eileen and John worked with Revision Energy to develop a plan to install more ground-mounted panels. Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) provided a low interest solar loan to spread out the balance of the cost. The new array, located beside the original, was fully operational by August of 2024. Though it won’t be the case year-round, that month the panels generated enough energy to power the entire farm. It is expected to save the farm more than $3000 in energy costs per year.
“We value the relationships and connections we make through growing and selling food, fiber, dyes and plants to our community,” says Eileen. It was a similar reliance on relationships and connections that helped this new farm leave fossil fuels behind. With financing from nonprofit CEI, technical assistance from Revision Energy, and a grant from USDA Rural Development, Junction Garden will continue to grow while generating its own sustainable, affordable energy.
About the farm:
Find Junction Garden at special events like the Maine Fiber Frolic, as well as at the following farmers’ markets:
- Downtown Waterville Farmers Market Thursdays 2-6pm (May thru Thanksgiving)
- Hallowell Farmers Market Saturdays 9am-12pm (May thru October)
- Belgrade Lakes Market Sundays 9am-12pm (July thru early September)
Some of their products can be ordered online (https://junctiongardenme.square.site/) or purchased on-farm by appointment.