Construction begins at Dramm’s Fish Fertilizer Facility in Wisconsin

Construction began this month on a 10,000-square-foot-foot, 120-kilowatt, ground-mounted solar field at the  Dramm Corporation's Fish Fertilizer Facility in Algoma, Wisconsin.

Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, the project marks a major advancement in Dramm’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Dramm produces DRAMMATIC Liquid Fish Fertilizer, derived from fish offal collected from commercial and sport fishermen. The full line of fertilizer is used in organic and conventional farming, as well as by home gardeners. By diverting millions of pounds of fish waste from landfills and waterways, the company offers a sustainable solution that promotes soil health.

The new solar farm will cover a total fenced area of 10,000 square feet, with 6,100 square feet dedicated to 220 high-efficiency solar panels and one inverter, with a combined power output of 119,900 W-DC and 100,000 W-AC.

Thanks to the USDA grant, Dramm is able to invest in renewable energy infrastructure that will offset the facility’s energy consumption, with the potential to save up to 74% of the facility’s energy usage.

The construction is expected to be completed in January 2025.

Over the next 20 years, this installation is projected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including:

• Offsetting 2,384 tons of CO₂ emissions, reducing greenhouse gases.
• Eliminating the equivalent of 5,419,908 miles driven by cars, lowering vehicle-related pollution.
• Planting an equivalent of 35,756 trees, reflecting Dramm’s dedication to ecofriendly practices.

“Dramm Corporation is grateful for the FPEP grant award that allows us to invest in solar power to offset the energy needs at the Algoma fish plant,” said Fritz Dramm, fertilizer production and compliance manager.