Loebsack praises Van Kooten Farms’ use of solar energy

On Saturday, Rep. Dave Loebsack visited Van Kooten Farms outside of Kellogg to marvel at its two sections of solar panels arrays. Combined, the panels are the largest privately owned solar panel array in Iowa.

Dean and Betty Van Kooten came up with idea to install the solar panels, which produce so much energy they supply power to the entire farm — including the home, both hog barns, grain bins, the machine shops and other structures.

The project was overseen by North Liberty-based Moxie Solar. Moxie CEO Jason Hall and Operations Manager Tim Brodersen, along with members of the Van Kooten family, showed the congressman around the farm during his visit.

Brodersen said the south and north arrays each had a 60-kilowatt system and that the south array held 201 solar panels and the north array had 204 solar panels.

“It’s 100 percent offset. We had to meet the farmer’s needs. They’ve got all kinds of machinery out here. Our goal was to stay out of the way (with the location of the panels) and to meet all of the farmer’s needs,” Brodersen said

By having this project done, the Van Kootens received tax credits from the state, the federal government and are expecting to receive two $25,000 rebates from Alliant Energy. The panels have also given the family a projected $18,000 cost savings annually in electricity bills.

Leobsack said his district representative for Jasper County, Amelia Schoeneman, made him aware of the project at the farm and helped coordinate his visit. He said as a supporter of alternative energies — such as solar, wind and renewable fuels — this project was a great way to showcase the potential of alternative energy usage in Iowa.

“When it comes to solar, I think that a lot of people don’t realize how much potential there is for solar energy in Iowa,” Loebsack said. “I think this project demonstrates what can be done with solar energy and how much it can save a farmer, a business or an individual if it’s done with the correct model.”