DeConna Ice Cream’s Transition to Solar Power with PPM Solar

At PPM Solar, every project we take on is more than just an installation—it’s a partnership. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our recent collaboration with DeConna Ice Cream, a third-generation, family-owned business in Reddick, Florida, that’s now leading the charge toward sustainability in the food and beverage industry.

Background

At DeConna Ice Cream, tradition runs deep—but so does their commitment to innovation. DeConna Ice Cream was founded in Florida and has been serving delicious frozen treats for decades. What started as a small family business has grown into a well-known brand, distributing ice cream across the Southeastern United States. DeConna is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, offering a wide variety of ice cream products, including classic cones, bars, and novelty treats. Over the years, the company has expanded its reach, supplying schools, convenience stores, and retailers while maintaining its dedication to great taste and customer satisfaction. Today, DeConna continues expanding under third-generation leadership, embracing new technologies to meet evolving business and environmental demands.

Nick DeConna, President

April 14, 2025

“At DeConna Ice Cream, we’re always looking for ways to innovate—not just in the treats we create, but in how we operate. Adding solar power to our distribution facility is a step toward a more sustainable future, allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and continue delivering quality products efficiently. Our vision is to blend tradition with forward-thinking solutions, ensuring that future generations can enjoy our ice cream while we do our part to protect the planet. The major factor that led to our decision to go solar was the long-term sustainability of our operations. By investing in solar energy, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also ensuring more stable energy costs, allowing us to continue delivering quality products efficiently for years to come.”

Solar Project Details

PPM Solar designed, engineered, and installed a 794 kW ballasted ground-mount solar system at DeConna Ice Cream’s facility, fulfilling 64.4% of the company’s annual electricity requirements. System delivers significant economic benefits, achieving lifetime project savings totaling $1,981,573 and a rapid payback period of just three years.

The solar installation comprises 2,146 high-efficiency REC Solar photovoltaic modules integrated with ten SMA America Sunny Tripower CORE1 inverters, recognized as the industry’s first free-standing string PV inverters. SMA America’s innovative inverter design significantly reduces commercial installation costs and creates redundancy across the modular design, eliminating a single point of failure.

For the mounting structure, PPM Solar selected the Aerocompact G10 racking system—a permeable, modular solution designed to protect groundwater integrity while simplifying installation and maintenance processes. The robust Aerocompact G10 system surpasses Marion County’s hurricane resistance standards, reliably withstanding wind speeds of up to 117 mph.

Advantages of Ballasted Ground Mount Systems

Ballasted ground mount systems offer considerable benefits for businesses, including minimal environmental impact due to the lack of soil penetration and concrete foundations. These systems facilitate easier maintenance, reduce operational downtime, and ensure reliable, long-term energy generation. Specifically engineered for challenging climates like Florida’s, they provide robustness against extreme weather conditions and maximize economic returns through substantial energy export capabilities.

Jason Gonos, Director at PPM Solar

April 12, 2025

“I have seen the name “DeConna” all over town since I moved to Gainesville in 2001. Now, 24 years later, when I see that name, I have a new perspective on a community leader who supports the health and welfare of their neighbors and the planet. This massive solar installation will allow DeConna to reduce operating expenses and invest in other areas of the business while providing greater value to its clients and the community.”

About PPM Solar

With over 16 years of expertise in the solar industry, PPM Solar has earned a reputation as a trusted provider of tailored solar solutions across the Southeastern United States. Our specialized knowledge includes a comprehensive understanding of regional environmental conditions, regulatory landscapes, and operational challenges. Leveraging in-house engineering and design teams, we create customized solar installations that effectively address local challenges such as high humidity, frequent storms, and intense summer heat—factors critical to solar panel efficiency and longevity. By managing the entire design and engineering process internally, PPM Solar ensures exceptional quality and precise execution tailored to each client’s unique needs. Serving commercial, industrial, and government sectors, our projects consistently deliver substantial operational savings, significant carbon emission reductions, and enhanced system reliability.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The adoption of solar energy by DeConna Ice Cream significantly reduces its carbon footprint and dependence on grid electricity. This proactive transition highlights the business case for renewable energy by generating strong economic returns while enhancing corporate sustainability and community impact.