Sustainability

Peanut Growers aren’t usually the first group of businessmen and farmers that come to mind when discussing renewable energy, but with the rising cost of electricity and the sharp drop in solar prices, the drying sheds at APGG are now home to the largest roof mounted solar array in Georgia. The American Peanut Growers Group, LLC (APGG) in Donalsonville invested in this array as a commitment to sustainability. More than just simply environmental stewardship, there are significant financial benefits to going solar. By lowering peak demand from Georgia Power APGG is directly reducing its cost of energy – both now and in the future. With a thirty year plus expected life of the solar panels, the solar savings will continue to increase as electricity costs rise.

APGG is committed to reducing its impact on the environment by implementing the following programs: Bag house filtration system which eliminates dust emission; Selling all hulls generated in shelling to other end-users; Recycling all cardboard and used tote bags; Installation of a 600,000 Kilowatt (annual) solar panel grid on our drying shelters to off-set our energy consumption.

Our plants electrical system is controlled by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s). This computerized electrical system allows us to program specific safeguards into our processes. With touch-screen controls, the entire plant is started with the touch of one finger to the computer screen. The PLC’s allow machines to start in sequence automatically, never bringing up another motor, until the first motor has reached adequate RPM speed. This system allows for energy savings each and every day that the plant runs.

APGG is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We strive to improve our environmental performance over time and initiate additional projects and activities that will further reduce our impacts on the environment.