South Dakota’s first solar-powered manufacturing plant opens in Tea

TEA, S.D. — South Dakota’s first solar-powered manufacturing facility opened on Thursday, July 2, in Tea.

Duane and Lois Boice, co-owners and co-founders of Gruen-Wald Engineered Laminates, contracted VIKOR Solar to install three solar systems on rooftops around their timber plant. Together, they will generate an annual 592 megawatt-hours of energy.

“Our relationship is: I dream of something, she figures out how we’re gonna do it,” Duane said.

Alex Olsen / Sioux Falls Live

A $500,000 tax incentive offset more than half the cost of the $900,000 project, with the energy savings from the solar system are expected to offset the investment within 10 years and continue beyond that.

According to Duane, Gruen-Wald will partner with Southeastern Electric Cooperative of Lennox to sell power to the grid and buy it back at a slightly higher rate.

Alex Olsen / Sioux Falls Live

Gruen-Wald has been producing engineered wood products since 1993, most notably glulam, a lightweight and durable wood product that is stronger than steel. Glulam is made by bonding layers of lumber together with moisture-resistant adhesives.

Duane said the project reflects the company’s commitment to finding efficient and sustainable ways to operate while continuing to grow its manufacturing capabilities.