Farmers Electric Cooperative to bring new solar array online

KALONA — A local energy provider in Kalona says it plans to bring an almost 1,000 kilowatt solar array online in a matter of weeks.

At 640 customers, Farmers Electric Cooperative is one of the nation’s smallest Rural Electric Cooperatives, a nonprofit type of utility owned by its users, typically in remote areas that larger providers don’t reach.

Manager Tim Heisdorffer said the panels along Highway 1 would come online as soon as May 17, if weather cooperates with electricians’ efforts to connect the panels.

“In the future, it’ll help us keep rates lower,” he said. “And the more money you can keep local, the better. Instead of sending our utility money off to somebody else in another state to supply it, it stays here.”

FEC received a $685,337 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development branch, to help pay for the project. The Rural Energy For America Program grant was one of 48 announced across the state on Earth Day.

“The latest round of funding for projects in rural Iowa is a real win for expanding renewable energy on farms and small businesses,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Theresa Greenfield. “Under the leadership of Secretary Vilsack, USDA is combating the climate crisis with good policy and solid results from lowered energy costs. When ag producers and local business owners save money, they can invest those savings back into their businesses and communities to create jobs.”

While the renewable energy source has an environmental appeal, Heisdorffer said it was an economic pursuit for the co-op. He said the array cost around $1.5 million to build, but would save money in the long run.

“If it didn’t pay for itself we wouldn’t do it, but it’s worked well for us,” he said.

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