FAFCO Solar Water Heating

Brent Morrison enjoying a tour of FAFCO

Morrison & Company recently had the opportunity to meet with the amazing team at FAFCO, the oldest and  largest solar thermal manufacturer in the United States.

FAFCO, based in Chico, California, has developed revolutionary solar water heating technology, which uses unglazed polymer solar collectors to capture the sun's energy. The energy collected is used in a FAFCO solar hot water system which feeds into a company's existing boiler and water supply to pre-heat water.

 FAFCO's technology is able save customers considerable energy costs and with assistance from the California Solar Initiative and other sources, FAFCO estimates that users can experience a three to four year payback on investment. Long known for their swimming pool heater applications, FAFCO sees this technology assisting residential and business owners alike, with a particular benefit for large users of water like food processors. FAFCO's first large industrial installation is set for later this fall at a Butte County, California, dried fruit processor.

Morrison & Company is delighted to be a part of the conversation as FAFCO is rolling out this new technology and we'll post updates on this blog as new developments emerge. Congrats FAFCO! 

Morrison & Company Client Awarded REAP Grant Funding

The USDA recently released the recipients of grants and loan guarantees through the Rural Energy for America Program and Morrison & Company was pleased to see one of our clients included on the list of successful awardees.

Morrison & Company worked with Roberti  Ranch (see our previous blog post here) to complete a REAP application. Roberti Ranch was one of the 500 agricultural producers across the country receiving funding through REAP. Collectively, the USDA awarded a total $27 million in REAP funding to project nationwide.

Roberti Ranch was awarded almost $205,000 in grant funding and received a $1.4 million loan guarantee.  Five other REAP recipients hailed from California, with Roberti Ranch receiving the highest grant award in the state.

Roberti Ranch will use the funding for a solar project that will help offset electricity costs on their Sierra County hay and cattle ranch. Morrison & Company is planning to travel to see the project in October.

If you're interested in learning more about REAP, visit the program website here. The 2012 program will likely be released midyear. To stay informed on grant announcements for REAP and other USDA grant programs, be sure to subscribe to our blog.

Geoff Chinnock graduates from Civic Pioneers Institute

Earlier this month, Morrison & Company celebrated with Geoff has he completed a year-long leadership program through the Civic Pioneers Institute.

Over the last 12 months, Geoff attended monthly leadership sessions and  workshops designed to provide professional development and civic engagement.  He joined several other local  professionals in government, private business, education and non-profits.

We are so proud of Geoff's accomplishments through the Civic Pioneers Institute and are excited for him to join the impressive list of program alumni.

Congrats Geoff!

Roberti Ranch Solar Project

Credit: CA Farm Bureau

We are so excited to get our copy of the California Farm Bureau Federation's Ag Alert this week!

Dave Roberti, one of Morrison & Company's favorite clients, is featured in the publication for his solar project that is currently being installed on his Sierra County hay and cattle ranch. You can check out the online version of the story here.

Roberti Ranch worked with our talented Morrison & Company team to apply for Rural Energy for America Program funding to help finance the project and was successful in securing funding. Morrison & Company has had a 100% success rate with the Rural Energy for America Program.

If you're interested in learning more about the Rural Energy for America Program check out one of our past blog posts here. The 2011 program is closed, though the 2012 program is likely to be released by midyear.

Morrison & Company is looking forward to traveling to Roberti Ranch to see the impressive solar array this Fall. Be sure to check back on our blog for pictures and more information on the project at the end of the month, or subscribe to our blog at the right of this page so you don't miss it!

Morrison & Company Welcomes New Consultant

Tim already hard at work in his Morrison & Company office.

Today, Morrison & Company welcomed its newest consultant, Tim Peters of Chico.

Tim grew up in nearby Willows, California, graduated with an accounting degree from Chico State and most recently worked for Chico-based CPA firm Matson and Isom.

Like Geoff, Stacy and Brent, Tim brings his experience as a CPA and background in accounting to Morrison & Company and is excited to put his talents to use for the clients we serve in food, agribusiness, processing, distribution, alternative energy, manufacturing and other industries.

Stay tuned to this blog for more information on Tim, as we will surely be documenting his adventures with  Morrison & Company.