Harvesting the Sun with Walnut and Willow Farm

Walnut & Willow Farm in Lincoln, Rhode Island, blends family heritage with a modern commitment to sustainability. Owned and operated part-time by Jeff and Sara Crompton, the farm continues a legacy that began in 1964, when Jeff’s grandfather cultivated corn and tomatoes on the land. 

Today, Jeff and his family focus on pastured poultry and producing market garden goods including jams, jellies, and salsas. Their land also features a woodlot, providing cordwood, camp wood, and even a small sugar bush for winter syrup production. 

“We are lucky enough to have the state champion willow tree on the front of the property. My grandfather planted a willow tree when each of his four children were born, and the one that’s left was planted for my mother,” Jeff explains. 

Upon moving into the property in 2021, the family performed an energy audit and discovered they needed to replace an aging barn. For the couple, the addition of solar panels felt like a natural next step and the right financial decision.  

“My grandfather was always very energy focused, and we wanted to continue that moving forward. The solar panels felt like a natural progression with the new roof, it was perfect timing.” 

With support from the Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Grant Program, Walnut & Willow installed a solar energy system that has dramatically reduced their utility costs. The 6.48 kW system now covers nearly 100% of the farm's energy needs and saves them around $2,000 every year.  

“The immediate impact of the solar panels is a significant reduction in our utility bills. Coming out of our first winter, the system performed better than anticipated which was a wonderful surprise.” 

But they’re not stopping there! The family plans to replace propane in their commercial kitchen by installing heat pumps and induction cooktops, fully transitioning to electricity.  

“We have young kids growing up and we want to leave this farm better than we found it, and I think most of the local farmers that we’ve met and worked with have the same outlook.” 

By embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices, Walnut & Willow Farm honors its heritage while building a resilient future. Jeff, Sara, and their family are dedicated to preserving the land and passing down a farm that thrives for generations to come, echoing a legacy symbolized by their property’s champion willow tree. 

“I would absolutely recommend the Agricultural energy Grant Program to farmers, and I have! It’s been a game changer for us in accelerating our clean energy timeline and allowing us to be more sustainable.” 

For more information on the Agricultural Energy Grant Program and how it can benefit your farm, please visit: https://energy.ri.gov/energy-efficiency/farmers