The greatest challenge was identifying a renewable energy technology that could be structured as a Power Purchase Agreement while competing with Premier's existing agricultural utility rate. The next challenge was in identifying a project that could be installed without interrupting the farms operations. This required an interconnection process with virtually zero downtime, so Premier's existing chiller, fans, pumps and control system could stay online and the mushrooms could stay happy. 

Premier captured numerous value streams from this project. The farm was able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, utilize a water free system, lower operating expenses and move closer towards its goal procuring 100% renewable energy. The system also produced over 300,000 pounds of BioChar, a high value soil amendment that sequesters carbon dioxide during production. Much of this BioChar has been donated to support research efforts (with UC Davis, CSU Chico, and other Student and Non-Profit groups). However, some of it has been sold and it proved to be an unexpected revenue stream.

The project was also structured as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), meaning Premier Mushroom's didn't have to make any capital expenditures in order to complete the project. The PPA rate was competitive enough to compete with the farms existing agricultural utility rates. 

In addition to the direct tangible benefits mentioned above, Premier also learned how these types of renewable energy projects flow from start to finish. They gained a better understanding of what actually goes in to making sure a project like this reaches the finish line. The farm is currently using knowledge gained from this project to steer closer toward their 100% renewable energy goal. Because Premier already established its key project criteria, they streamlined the procurement process and could focus on projects like this that would make the greatest positive impact to the organization's overall goals.