On a bright November afternoon, PPM Solar welcomed community members, partners, and the DeConna Ice Cream team to celebrate a milestone nearly 80 years in the making. The ribbon-cutting event in Reddick, Florida marked the official launch of DeConna’s new 794 kW solar energy system—a project that honors the company’s heritage while powering its future with clean, reliable energy.
From its beginnings in 1947 under WWII veteran Don “Big Daddy” DeConna to becoming one of Florida’s most recognizable ice cream brands, DeConna has always been driven by innovation. Today, that tradition continues as the company embraces renewable energy to strengthen operations and reduce its environmental footprint.
A partnership years in the making
The collaboration between DeConna Ice Cream and PPM Solar began long before panels ever touched the ground. President Nick DeConna had been exploring solar for years before the timing and incentives aligned.
“We wanted long-term stability in our operating costs and the chance to do something meaningful for the environment,” said Nick DeConna.
“Now these panels power the building, and the impact on our monthly energy bill is significant.” With a growing distribution network spanning 23 states and new product lines on the horizon, the company saw solar energy as a strategic investment—not just an environmental one.
Inside the 794 kW system engineered by PPM Solar
PPM Solar engineered and installed a state-of-the-art 794 kW ballasted ground-mount system, designed for both immediate impact and decades of performance.
Key components include:
- 2,146 high-efficiency REC Solar modules
- SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 inverters
- Aerocompact G10 racking, rated for winds up to 117 mph
- Zero ground penetration to preserve soil and water flow
- New 750 kVA transformer, installed in partnership with Duke Energy
- Two USDA grants secured to reduce project and equipment upgrade costs
The system now offsets 64.4% of DeConna’s annual electricity usage, dramatically reducing reliance on traditional utility power.
Fast payback, long-term savings
The financial performance of the system speaks for itself:
- $13,896 saved every month
- $4.17 million in savings over 25 years
- 3-year payback period
- ~20% annual ROI, even without additional incentives
For a company with multiple distribution hubs and continuous cold-storage needs, predictable and stable energy costs create meaningful operational resilience.
Environmental impact that matters
Beyond financial returns, the DeConna solar project creates measurable environmental benefits equivalent to:
- 2,508 tree seedlings grown for 10 years
- 53.6 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled
- 168,517 railcars’ worth of coal avoided
These numbers underscore the long-term sustainability impact of a system that offsets its entire carbon footprint in less than one year.
Celebrating clean energy with the community
The ribbon-cutting event brought together team members, local leaders, and partners for a day of reflection, celebration—and of course, plenty of ice cream. Rows of gleaming panels stretched out behind the podium as PPM Solar co-founders Alex Khokhlov and Jason Gonos shared insights into the project and Florida’s rapidly expanding renewable energy landscape.
“This installation demonstrates what it looks like when a legacy business leads with vision,” said Jason Gonos.
“DeConna took a major step that will serve their community, their customers, and the planet for decades.”
Alex Khokhlov added perspective on the shift happening across Florida’s electric grid:
“Utilities are adding more solar now than ever before. What we’re seeing here is part of a major transformation—and DeConna is ahead of the curve.”
A legacy powered forward
For nearly 80 years, DeConna Ice Cream has been part of Florida’s story. Now, Florida’s clean energy future is part of theirs. With this installation, the company continues its tradition of blending quality, innovation, and community leadership.
As DeConna expands its product lines and distribution footprint, solar energy will play a central role in ensuring cost stability, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience.
From the DeConna family to the PPM Solar team to the Florida communities they serve, the message is clear:
The future is bright, and it’s powered by the sun.
