The Orchard Hill Breadworks Solar Energy Project in Alstead, New Hampshire, represents a successful example of community-focused renewable energy development supporting long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and rural economic resilience. Orchard Hill Breadworks, a nationally recognized artisan bakery founded by Noah Elbers, pursued the installation of a solar energy system to strengthen the company’s environmental commitment while reducing long-term operating costs.

Located within a restored 19th-century family barn, Orchard Hill Breadworks has become known not only for its nationally recognized products, including recognition by Food & Wine as one of America’s top bakeries, but also for its strong focus on sustainability, local investment, and community engagement.

To support these goals, a 32.5kW solar energy system was developed on the property utilizing financial support through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Murphy International Development worked with the client to support renewable energy planning and financing strategies associated with the project, helping make the installation financially achievable while supporting long-term sustainability objectives.

Community-Based Renewable Energy Development

The Orchard Hill Breadworks project demonstrates how renewable energy systems can support small businesses and rural communities through practical, cost-effective infrastructure improvements.

The project focused on:

• Reducing long-term energy costs
• Improving operational sustainability
• Supporting renewable energy adoption in rural communities
• Utilizing available grant and financing programs
• Strengthening long-term business resilience

The installation reflected a growing interest among rural businesses in adopting renewable energy technologies to improve efficiency and support environmental goals.

USDA REAP Grant Support & Financing Strategy

A key component of the project involved securing funding support through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses pursuing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

The project included:

• USDA REAP grant coordination and support
• Renewable energy financing planning
• Tax incentive and energy savings analysis
• Solar energy system development strategy
• Long-term operational cost reduction planning

Murphy International Development worked with the client to help structure a customized approach combining available incentives, grant funding, and renewable energy planning to support favorable long-term economics for the project.

Distributed Solar Energy Infrastructure

The 32.5kW solar installation was designed to provide renewable electricity generation directly at the property, helping offset operational energy demand while supporting the bakery’s broader sustainability mission.

The project demonstrated the effectiveness of distributed solar generation for:

• Rural commercial facilities
• Small business operations
• Agricultural and food production environments
• Community-centered sustainability initiatives
• Long-term energy cost management

The solar array also served as a visible example of renewable energy adoption within the local community.

Supporting Sustainability & Local Impact

Orchard Hill Breadworks’ commitment to renewable energy reflected the same community-centered philosophy that contributed to the business’s long-standing success and regional recognition.

The project reinforced broader objectives involving:

• Environmental responsibility and sustainability
• Local investment and rural economic resilience
• Renewable energy awareness and adoption
• Reduced dependence on conventional utility power
• Long-term operational stability for small businesses

By pursuing solar energy development, the project helped demonstrate how renewable technologies can support both economic and environmental goals at the community level.

Renewable Energy Leadership in Rural Communities

The project became an important example of how rural businesses can successfully integrate renewable energy into everyday operations through strategic planning, financing support, and available government energy programs.

The initiative encouraged broader regional discussion surrounding:

• Renewable energy adoption among small businesses
• Community-focused sustainability planning
• Rural energy independence and resilience
• Solar financing accessibility
• Long-term environmental stewardship

As stated by Orchard Hill Breadworks founder Noah Elbers:

“We hope that by our example, other business people and neighbors consider the possibility of using renewable energy.”

Project Highlights

• Location: Alstead, New Hampshire
• Client: Orchard Hill Breadworks
• Renewable System: 32.5kW Solar Energy Array
• Program Support: USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
• Grant Award: $31,245
• Estimated Annual Savings: Approximately $6,400
• Project Focus: Renewable energy financing, solar development, sustainability planning, and rural energy resilience

Murphy International Development’s Role

Murphy International Development supported renewable energy planning and financing strategies associated with the Orchard Hill Breadworks solar project, helping structure a practical approach utilizing grant funding, tax incentives, and renewable energy development support.

The project aligned with Murphy International Development’s broader commitment to supporting distributed renewable energy systems, sustainable infrastructure development, and community-focused clean energy initiatives.

Through involvement in projects such as Orchard Hill Breadworks, Murphy International Development continues to demonstrate expertise in renewable energy financing support, distributed solar development, and practical sustainability solutions for rural and commercial operations.