Purple Fields & Sunshine Yields
Long Row Lavender Goes Solar
Wright City, MO
December 2024
For Long Row Lavender, a family-run flower farm outside of St. Louis, solar was a natural way to power their sustainable operations. With more than 600 lavender plants supporting pollinators, a café serving chemical-free produce, and pond-fed irrigation, owners Chad and Tracy Smith wanted to reduce energy costs while staying true to their values. Their 30.375kW commercial solar installation in Missouri now offsets 85% of the farm’s electricity use, generating significant first-year savings and long-term financial benefits for the farm and community.
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System Details
System Size
30.375 kW (DC)
Equipment
75 Hanwha Q Cell 405 Panels
3 Fronius Inverters
Energy Production
38,578 kWh Annually
85% Energy Offset
Savings
First Year – $3,148
Lifetime – $137,256
Solar Story
Rooted in the Land
Long Row Lavender, a family-run destination flower farm near St. Louis, began in 2007 when Chad and Tracy Smith planted their first 20 lavender plants after local wildlife devoured their vegetable crops. What started as a way to care for their land and keep their four kids engaged outdoors has grown into a thriving farm and café focused on fresh, chemical-free products and sustainable, bee-friendly practices.
Why Solar Made Sense for the Farm
To support their mission while reducing energy costs, the Smiths decided to add a commercial solar installation for their flower farm in Missouri. They chose StraightUp Solar for our professionalism, clear communication, and proven experience as an agricultural solar installer in Missouri. The installation process was smooth, coordinated with respect to the farm’s daily operations, including the cafe schedule and pond-fed irrigation.
A Partner They Trusted
Chad Smith explains, “We use irrigation off of the pond, we grow produce that’s fresh and made without chemicals and use that for our cafe to source food locally, and it just seemed to fit with what we were doing here, both from an agricultural standpoint as well as what we desire for ourselves. From an economic point of view it was a means of offsetting some of the operating cost so that we could continue to offer good pay and just grow the business.”
He adds that he looks for two qualities in companies he works with—attitude and aptitude—and StraightUp Solar excelled at both. He confidently recommends us as a reliable and professional solar provider.
The Outcome
This project enabled Long Row Lavender to invest energy savings back into farm operations, continue sustainable practices, and serve as a model of clean energy leadership in the local community.
To support their mission, the Smiths turned to solar energy to reduce operating costs and align with their agricultural values. After exploring options, they chose StraightUp Solar due to their longevity, professionalism, and outstanding communication. Installation was smooth, respectful of the farm’s schedule, and praised by staff.
Chad Smith says he looks for two qualities in companies he works with—attitude and aptitude—and StraightUp Solar excelled at both. He confidently recommends them as a reliable and professional solar provider.
“I’ve probably not worked with a company that did better in terms of communication. Every step of the way there was communication of what was coming next, what that estimated time would be. During the installation process even our staff commented that everybody was so nice and informative. They were here installing while we were open, and we simply carried on business around that. They sought to work with our schedule and our off times as much as possible. I would definitely recommend StraightUp Solar.”
Chad Smith, Long Row Lavender Co-Owner
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Incentives Overview
For Long Row Lavender, the value of the incentives exceeded the system cost.
All scenarios are unique. You financial breakdown may differ.
System Cost
USDA REAP Grant
State MACRS Depreciation
Federal MACRS Depreciation
Federal Investment Tax Credit
Project Photos
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