OPPORTUNITY IN OCHEYEDAN
Cooperative Farmers Elevator is proud to announce an exciting new initiative in our energy generation. This spring, CFE began construction on a solar site at our Ocheyedan, Iowa, location–home to one of the cooperative’s most energy-intensive facilities. The project, known as CFE Solar, is the result of a collaborative effort between CFE, Artisun Solar and Alliant Energy. It marks an important step forward in sustainability, self-sufficiency and longterm value for our members.
The solar project in Ocheyedan is designed to power the facility directly, offsetting a significant portion of its daily energy needs. Even more promising, any unused energy generated will be sold back into the grid, helping offset costs and creating a new revenue stream over time.
ROOTED IN RURAL INNOVATION
CFE Solar wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships. Artisun Solar, a solar development company based in Kansas City, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Artisun Solar specializes in solar installations, with a strong background in agriculture and rural projects. Spanning projects in over 20 states, Artisun Solar places emphasis on helping customers understand and capitalize on the efficiency and long-term affordability of solar energy. Artisun Solar came with experience, transparency and a desire to listen, and that has made all the difference for our new solar program. CFE Solar is more than just panels and power. It’s about values, partnerships and investing in solutions that make sense for rural communities like ours.
“From our very first conversation, CFE made it clear that this project needed to provide real, measurable benefits to the members,” says Tyler Putnam, President and General Manager at Artisun Solar. “That level of commitment has shaped every step of this project, from planning and permitting to installation.”
The collaboration also includes Alliant Energy, who has worked closely with Artisun Solar and CFE to ensure that CFE Solar will integrate efficiently into the local energy infrastructure. The partnership has run smoothly thanks to shared goals of reducing energy costs, supporting sustainability and investing in community-focused solutions.
BUILT TO LAST
For CFE, this isn’t just another opportunity that came along it’s about doing what’s right for members. “We’re a business, yes, but we’re a cooperative first,” Rob emphasizes. “Every dollar we can save or earn through smarter energy use is a dollar we can put back into our member services and our communities.”
Artisun Solar echoed this sentiment, noting that organizations like CFE are ideal partners because they prioritize practical benefits, aligning with the similar goals of Artisun Solar. “We focus on making solar easy and accessible, which matches how cooperatives like CFE serve their communities,” explains Peter Whitney, Artisun Solar’s VP of Sales. When partnerships form based on shared values, it makes the impact and outcomes that much greater.
A long-lasting business model is only as strong as the product it revolves around, and solar investments are known for their longevity. With minimal maintenance after construction, a more-than-30-year panel lifespan and an ever-growing efficiency standard, the Ocheyedan solar project is poised to be successful for decades to come.
This opens the door for potential expansion in the future. As Artisun Solar and CFE finalize the Ocheyedan solar site this summer, it will act as a testing ground for other sites. Just as cooperative leadership did for this pilot of CFE Solar, ongoing evaluations of energy usage and power draw at other locations will dictate the evolution of this program and installation beyond Ocheyedan in the coming years. As with all CFE projects, scalability is part of the long-term strategy in this investment: start smart, prove the value and continue to build.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
As CFE Solar becomes operational, members can expect to see the benefits as energy cost savings and additional revenue accrue to reinvest into the cooperative. While the solar panels themselves may sit quietly in the sun, the work they will be doing to reinforce CFE’s commitment to innovation will be loud and clear.
“This is just the beginning,” Rob says. “We’re proud to lead the way and excited for what comes next.” Stay tuned for more updates as CFE Solar comes online and sets the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future for our operations, our members and our communities.
It means taking control of our energy, much like we’ve always taken control of our crops, our inputs and our markets. And as farmers know well, you don’t plan just for this season, you plan with the future in mind. That’s exactly what CFE Solar is doing. In the end, CFE Solar is more than a project; it’s a reflection of our values: stewardship, innovation and commitment to the communities we serve. Thanks to thoughtful partnerships, a strong plan and plenty of sunny days ahead, the future is bright in more ways than one.
