Marion Institute receives solar grant
A welcome to Frogfoot Farm sign. Photos source: Kelsey Forcier
A bok choy plant at the farm. 
Marion Institute Executive Director Liz Wiley shows off some of the farm's produce. 
Volunteers harvest Frogfoot Farm produce.
Some turnips at the farm. 
Volunteers work on the farm.
A welcome to Frogfoot Farm sign. Photos source: Kelsey Forcier
A bok choy plant at the farm.
Marion Institute Executive Director Liz Wiley shows off some of the farm's produce.
Volunteers harvest Frogfoot Farm produce.
Some turnips at the farm.
Volunteers work on the farm.
New solar panels are coming to town.
The Marion Institute announced Wednesday that it received a $135,000 Low-Income Solar Incentive Program grant to install a solar array at Frogfoot Farm in Wareham.
According to the institute, the solar array will provide reliable power to Frogfoot Farm and reduce its operating costs. Frogfoot Farm grows produce to donate to local food pantries in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The institute will construct a 17.5 kW array on the property. According to A.D. Makepeace President James Kane, the Frogfoot Farm site required generators to power it before bringing in solar power. Electricity is needed to power the farm's irrigation, wash and pack equipment, greenhouse and lighting, according to the Marion Institute.
"This investment is about much more than solar power — it's about strengthening our ability to nourish our communities for years to come. Reliable, renewable energy allows us to operate Frogfoot Farm more sustainably, reduce operating costs, and reinvest those resources into growing even more fresh, healthy food for our neighbors," Marion Institute Executive Director Liz Wiley said.
The Marion Institute expects that it will save $5,000 in electricity costs each year from the solar project. A.D. Makepeace and the Marion Institute are partners for Frogfoot Farm. A.D. Makepeace provides the land and irrigation infrastructure, while the Marion Institute manages the food-growing operations.
