Farm Energy Planning Fact Sheet

Energy Efficiency in Facilities – On-Farm Solar PV

Joel Zook, CEM, Energy Planner
NRCS TSP 16-21560
Winneshiek Energy District
319-640-9006; joel@energydistrict.org

Service through the Energy Districts of Northeast Iowa: Winneshiek, Clayton, Howard Counties – Serving All of Northeast Iowa

What is Farm Energy Planning “Get the info: GET A JOB DONE”

  • Technical analysis of efficiency practices (classic “energy audit”)
    • Lighting – the LED era is here and now
    • HVAC systems in facilities
    • Pumps, motors, milk handling systems
    • Grain drying and related opportunities in field operations
  • Financial analysis of programs and incentives available for efficiency
    • NRCS/EQIP cost-share and incentive payments
    • Utility rebates: from your Co-op, Alliant, and MidAmerican
    • REAP grant and loan options
  • Solar site assessment; technical and financial analysis including
    • Rate and metering impacts (net metering, demand billing, etc)
    • Tax credit availability: federal and Iowa (Limited – sign up now!)
    • Depreciation on solar investments
  • Farm Energy Plans give you the big picture and help identify where to start. We’ll work with you throughout the process to make sure things go smoothly.

Cost and Returns “Bottom line: IT PAYS!”

  • If we can’t find options with 5-year payback (including audit cost) we refund 50%
  • Market-rate energy plan costs from $500-$1,500 depending on scale and scope
  • Plans for NRCS practice cost-share application range from $1,000-$2,000
  • Plans meeting NRCS standards for both plan development cost-share and practice cost-share range from $1,500 to $2,500L contacts us for more information

How To Get Started “The time is now: DON’T WAIT AND MISS OUT”

  • Contact Energy Planner Joel Zook for a free consult (info at top of page)
  • Learn More and sign up at energydistrict.org/services/farming-energy-planning
  • The process can take a little while, but there is no better time than now, for efficiency practice cost-share, solar tax credits, or just to get a job done.

Testimonials

  • “They did a very thorough audit of our farm… and found the biggest savings with the fastest payback was our grain dryer.” – Chuck and Sanna Feldman
  • “I didn’t know anything about it (the LED lightning or solar)… they helped through the whole process.” – Ryan Oberbroeckling
  • “You’ll probably save money on a bunch of things, they can show you where to funnel money that will be good for the environment and for saving money, it’s fantastic.” – Ryan Wangsness

Posted: November 10, 2022

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