Local Businesses Flip the Switch on Solar

Dubuque, Iowa • December 27, 2022

(12/27/2022) The use of solar energy throughout the Dyersville (Iowa) area continues to grow as more residents, businesses and farm operators seek to offset rising energy costs with affordable, renewable solar energy. Auto Tech Inc., Helle Farm Equipment and Victory Ford recently flipped the switch and are now positioned to reap the many financial and environmental benefits solar has to offer, for decades to come.

When combined, the Auto Tech Inc. (61.4 kW DC roof array), Helle Farm Equipment (42.3 kW DC ground array) and Victory Ford (123.95 kW DC roof array) will have an estimated 25-year electric bill savings of $1,377,638 with an average payback period of 6.3 years. Over the lifetime of the three arrays, the systems will drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the local businesses and are projected to offset 4,918.78 tons of CO2. This CO2 offset is equivalent to planting 123,583 trees or reducing the amount of coal burned to produce the same amount of clean energy by 6,064,722 pounds (3032.3 tons).

“The key to finding value in solar begins with educating yourself on how solar works, the incentives available and understanding and evaluating the long-term benefits of renewable technologies, such as solar. Our educational approach is data-driven, fully transparent and structured to guide people along the path to transitioning to clean, affordable solar energy. As more and more business owners, farmers and residents seek ways to reduce their monthly energy costs, going solar is typically the most affordable and long-term solution. The positive environmental benefits shared with the community are also a compelling benefit for many of our clients,” Cory Wernimont, Eagle Point Solar Energy Consultant.

Larry Benn, Auto Tech Inc. owner stated, “With the continued growth of our business and after our recent expansion, it was clear we needed to visit ways in which we could offset some of our electric costs and apply those savings to other areas of the business to further support the community. Solar provides a great return on our investment with minimal maintenance or upkeep.”

“We feel with rising energy costs, the addition of a solar array would provide a good investment into the future of our business for years to come. Our array is sized to provide 100% of our current annual electricity cost. The use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, ethanol, and biodiesel all play an important role in the sustainability of the ag industry we serve,” Paul Helle, owner of Helle Farm Equipment.

“It’s no secret an auto dealership the size of Victory Ford consumes a lot of electricity from the grid. After evaluating available federal incentives, state and federal depreciation deductions and the positive environmental impacts of a solar array within the community, the decision to go solar was easy. Plus, a 315% return-on- investment isn’t bad either!” stated Forest Brown, co-owner of Victory Ford.