As Kat Becker put it, the decision was inspired by “more resilient infrastructure, less dependence on grid instability and emergencies, and environmental stewardship.” Those goals led Cattail Organics to install a ground mount system in 2021, followed by a 10 kW roof-mounted system and battery backup in 2023.

Since going solar, the farm has seen meaningful financial and operational benefits. Kat shared that “we have reduced our energy bills basically reinvesting,” and noted that the farm’s predictable energy use made solar a strong financial fit. For a working farm, those savings can go right back into the operation.

But the impact has gone beyond cost savings alone. Solar has also changed the way the farm thinks about energy use overall. As Kat explained, “It has also made us think more about what contributes to our energy load so where to make other investments.” That added awareness can help guide future decisions about efficiency, infrastructure, and resilience.

When reflecting on the experience of working with Northwind Solar, Kat said, “I think Northwind is a leader in battery technology!” Just as important was the value of local expertise and the ability to see other nearby projects ahead of time. “Local expertise and also connections to other local projects you can see ahead of time” were among the biggest benefits of choosing Northwind, she said.

Kat’s perspective on solar is practical and clear: “Solar is a logical investment even if that’s all you consider it to be.” For farms and businesses with steady energy needs, solar can provide a reliable return while also supporting greater energy independence, resilience, and long-term stability.

Stories like Cattail Organics show how solar can support the day-to-day realities of working farms, helping reduce costs, strengthen infrastructure, and create a more thoughtful path forward.