Sol Systems (Sol) is proud to support Deep Roots Farm through the Sol Profit Share initiative. This program has allowed solar energy system owners participating in Sol Systems’ Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) aggregation solutions, including homeowners, businesses, and institutions, to choose a Sol Profit Share contract. With this contract, customers have received a guaranteed fixed payment per SREC, and they’ve also shared additional profits when SREC prices increase. Additionally, Sol donates 5% of the net Sol Profit Share profits to non-profit organizations that support renewable energy access and sustainability efforts. Previous recipients of Sol Profit Share include DC Greens and A Farm Less Ordinary.

With the 2024 proceeds from the Sol Profit Share initiative, Sol is supporting Deep Roots Farm’s work serving under-resourced communities in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, MD with sustainably grown produce.

A Dual Mission

Deep Roots Farm is a Black woman-owned and operated farm located in Upper Marlboro, MD that is focused on practicing regenerative, holistic, and humane agriculture. The farm uses regenerative farming techniques to help both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. By farming in a conscientious manner, they are able to regenerate topsoil, promote biodiversity, and conserve water, improving the resilience of local food systems.

In addition to implementing sustainable farming practices, Deep Roots Farm supports local communities by providing fresh produce and creating educational opportunities for people who may not have access to otherwise.  Residents in the greater DC area can buy produce from Deep Roots Farm at local farmers' markets or through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A CSA provides members with weekly baskets of seasonal goods while giving farmers steady income and stronger connections with the community. Deep Roots Farm donates any unused CSA produce to local organizations.

To further their educational impact, Deep Roots Farm offers tours to local school groups to teach them about regenerative agriculture. In the future, the farm plans to offer trainings on sustainable farming techniques to cultivate the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers. Deep Roots Farm is one of the just 1.4% farms in the United States which are Black owned and is working to introduce more BIPOC individuals to farming.

Taking Action

Deep Roots Farm plans to use their Sol Profit Share funding to insulate their barn for the winter, decreasing the farm’s monthly energy consumption—one of the highest monthly expenditures for the farm—, simultaneously lowering its climate impact and increasing its cost savings. Grant opportunities to offset higher electricity prices are sparse due to the cancellation of the US Department of Agriculture’s “Climate Smart” program. Sol’s donation provides an alternative source of funding to help Deep Roots Farm minimize this impact and continue to work on their sustainability projects.

To learn more about how Deep Roots Farm is practicing sustainable agriculture and impacting their community, please visit their website at: https://www.deeprootsfarm.us/.