News

April 29, 2024

Is It Time to Explore Agrivoltaics? A Growing Solution for Solar Energy on Farms

Plants and solar panels have one major thing in common — they both need the sun. But instead of competing with one another for land that has good access to the sun’s rays, they’re increasingly benefiting from it together, side by side. That’s because more farmers are incorporating solar panels into their farmland using an arrangement known as “agrivoltaics.” Also called “agrisolar,” it’s a system where farmers place solar panels on land that is also used for grazing, crop production, or other agricultural purposes. This dual use of the land allows farmers to reap the financial and ecological benefits of […]
April 9, 2024

How To Clean Solar Panels: A Guide to Keeping Your System Well-Maintained

Rain, sleet, hail, snow — Midwesterners are no strangers to the weather events that batter our homes, buildings, and trees. Or, to the maintenance that follows. When you install solar panels on your roof or on the ground at your home, farm, or business, they will be exposed to those same elements. It’s natural to wonder what you’ll need to do to keep them well-maintained over their lifespan. The good news: Solar panel upkeep is straightforward and simple. The fact that there are no moving parts means that unlike cars or large machinery, they require very little maintenance. But over […]
November 30, 2023

Innovative solar policy could help more Iowans save money

By Todd Miller, Co-founder of 1 Source Solar Minnesota has over 30,000 subscribers sharing over 800 megawatts of capacity. On average, most community solar subscribers save 5% to 10% off traditional electricity costs. As solar technology has evolved and prices decrease, more Iowa homeowners, farmers and businesses have been able to harness the power of the sun to control their electric bill. However, some hurdles still exist for solar adoption across the state. As interim president of the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association and president and co-founder of 1 Source Solar, I’ve witnessed policy challenges firsthand that make it hard […]
November 20, 2023

Shining a Light on Sustainability: Our Solar Journey with the City of Des Moines

Published by Angie Berhow As a company deeply rooted in the heart of Iowa, 1 Source Solar has always been committed to advancing renewable energy and supporting our local communities. Today, we are thrilled to share an exciting update about a project that embodies these commitments: the City of Des Moines’ 1 MW solar array installation. A Vision for a Sustainable Future The City of Des Moines has embarked on an ambitious journey to harness the power of the sun. The installation of a 1 MW solar array, which will supply clean energy to two crucial city buildings – an […]