CFE ready to switch on solar park

OCHEYEDAN—A solar park has brightened the outlook for Cooperative Farmers Elevator.

CFE Solar, located off Tyler Avenue just east of the co-op’s elevator in Ocheyedan, will start operating soon. The power it produces will be used to operate the elevator, with any leftover used as credits.

All this will reduce electric costs, one of the primary expenses for the cooperative, according to CEO Rob Jacobs.

He said the park, with a ground array of 3,166 410-watt solar panels that will produce 1,298 megawatts daily, is almost ready to be switched on.

“Buttoning up a few last details,” Jacobs said. “For sure, within the month, we hope within the next two or three weeks, we’ll have it operational.”

Work began in early April, but discussions to invest in solar started five or six years ago, he said.

Artisun Solar of Overland Park, KS, was the general contractor, installing solar panels, wiring and electrical interconnections.

It also assisted CFE in obtaining a $1 million federal grant, which helped lower the expense of installing the park. Jacobs did not disclose the cost, but he said it should be paid off within two years.

Jacobs said Artisun, which has been in business since 2011, made a convincing case to the co-op. It is a solar developer committed to helping businesses become energy independent, sustainable enterprises through solar development projects, according to its website. It has a strong background in agriculture and rural projects in more than 20 states.

“Probably what put it over the edge for us, they handled all the grant application for us, the design and the interconnections,” Jacobs said. “We really got serious about it last summer.”

“From our very first conversation, CFE made it clear that this project needed to provide real, measurable benefits to the members,” said Artisun president and general manager Tyler Putnam. “That level of commitment has shaped every step of this project, from planning and permitting to installation.”

Alliant Energy, which is based in Madison, WI, also was a good partner in the project, Jacobs said. It will purchase any excess power produced and allow CFE to use it as a credit or, at the end of the year, cash it out.

The three entities share goals of reducing energy costs, supporting sustainability and investing in community-focused solutions.

This also could create a dependable revenue stream in the future, Jacobs said.

CFE has 19 grain locations and 26 locations in total, counting agronomy and lumber.

Will it build more solar parks?

Jacobs said people are already asking him that, but he tells them CFE wants to get this one operating before making plans for more.

“It’s our first solar plant. I’ve been telling people, it’s our beta,” he said. “From that standpoint, we want to get the experience from it. Then we can make our decisions from there.”

CFE Solar is the latest testament to the cooperative’s values: Stewardship, innovation and commitment to the communities it serves, Jacobs said.