Ag Technologies’ Award-Winning Solar Installation at Curtis Creek Dairy

In Fair Oaks, Indiana, a cutting-edge dairy operation is leading the way in sustainable agriculture with a solar installation designed to match the pace and precision of modern farming. Designed and installed by Ag Technologies, Inc., the 574.4kW AC system at Curtis Creek Dairy has been recognized as the AgriSolar Project of the Year in APsystems’ 2024 U.S. Installation Awards.

This year marked the introduction of the AgriSolar category, created to highlight the role of solar in supporting farms and food systems across North America. Ag Technologies received the inaugural award for their exceptional work helping Curtis Creek Dairy significantly offset energy use at its grain bin facility and dry cow barn—while ensuring 100% of the solar power is used onsite across the larger Fair Oaks Farms campus.

The project also carries special meaning. It is dedicated to the memory of James Straeter, the late owner of Ag Technologies, whose forward-thinking vision and deep commitment to sustainable agriculture continue to guide the company’s work and influence the broader industry.

To meet the site’s performance goals, Ag Technologies paired APsystems’ QT2 480V microinverters with their own Solarcam tracking system, which delivers about 7.5% more energy than a traditional fixed-tilt setup. The system starts producing earlier and continues later in the day than string inverter alternatives—maximizing output and reliability across the board.

“These inverters have met and exceeded production expectations,” said Mike Straeter, Manager at Ag Technologies. “The ability to monitor wattages, voltages, and system performance in detail is a huge advantage for a farm of this complexity.”

Panel-level reporting, high energy yield, and seamless onsite integration made APsystems microinverters the clear choice. Combined with Ag Technologies’ deep experience in agricultural installations, the system was designed not just for efficiency, but longevity and ease of operation.

“APsystems delivers where it counts: efficiency, performance, and support,” Straeter added. “That kind of consistency gives our customers peace of mind.”

This award-winning project is more than a solar install—it’s a reflection of the values that drive both the agriculture and solar industries forward. It’s a legacy project in every sense, delivering power, progress, and purpose to one of the country’s most innovative dairy operations.

APsystems | https://apsystems.com/

Ag Technologies | https://solarcam.us/