Midwestern Solar Development: What Nebraska's New Solar Farm Means for the Industry

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January 9, 2018 | By RGR Marketing Blog

Why We Should Pay Attention to Nebraska and Midwestern Solar Development

Earlier this month, the largest solar farm to date in Nebraska began operations. As a project funded by the city of Kearney, Chicago-based SoCore Energy group, and Nebraska Public Power District, this $11 million undertaking is the first of its kind.

Given your stake in solar installation sales, every solar installation business should be paying attention to solar growth going on at the Kearney farm and in other midwestern states – here’s why.

A Case Study: Learning From Nebraska’s Solar Farm

The monumental solar farm in Kearney wasn’t always on track to be a success. Prior to Kearney’s municipal leaders losing a high-profile construction bid to a more wind-energy efficient location, city officials had invested only minor interest in solar energy. But the potential to attract Fortune 1000 data centers, like the lost bid for a $1 billion Facebook facility, has encouraged midwestern states to consider alternative forms of renewable energy.

Fast forward a few years, and now Kearney boasts the state’s largest solar farm with “nearly 22,500 solar panels [that] will generate 5.8 megawatts of renewable energy, which is about 5 percent of the city's electrical demand.”

What Does the Success of Nebraska’s Solar Farm Mean for the Industry?

According to SoCore Energy’s Vice President of Operations Russell Young, “The company will likely build more large solar farms as the cost of building the arrays declines.” For those of us in the solar industry, this is good news.

Traditionally, the midwest has been slow to adopt solar energy. But with the success of Kerney’s new solar farm, and the continued investment from SoCore Energy, Nebraska is a new, untapped market for solar sales.

Likewise, the long-awaited success of the Kearney solar farm is inspiring other Nebraska communities to follow suit. According to Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, “Other communities pursuing solar projects include Callaway, Gothenburg, Lincoln and South Sioux City. There's 25 megawatts of solar power capacity planned or in progress statewide.”

If you haven’t been paying attention to prospective clients in Nebraska, start now. The state’s mounting interest in solar energy, and its recruiting power, means good things for sales.

Moving Beyond Nebraska, Where Else Should Solar Businesses Invest in Sales Marketing?

Before you start putting together a marketing campaign for solar sales in Nebraska, take in the bigger picture. It’s not only Nebraska that’s taking an interest in the value of solar installations, but also other neighboring midwest states.

It’s true that traditionally the midwest states are not known for investing in renewable energy. But with city and state incentives on the line, states are amenable to seeking other energy sources. For instance, South Dakota draws much of its alternative energy from hydropower; Iowa relies heavily on wind energy.

While a third of the midwestern states still rank among the smallest amount of installed solar capacity in the United States, this is changing. Ohio, for example, ranks within the Country’s top 20 states with installed solar capacity. And now, Iowa and Minnesota legislators have deepened their state's commitment to pursuing solar energy.

Next Steps for Tapping Into Midwest Solar Sales

First step: do your research. Which cities and states offer businesses the greatest tax advantages and incentives for solar projects? Concentrate your sales efforts in places like Illinois, where lawmakers are searching for ways to expand their state’s use of solar through legislative packages that promote increased energy efficiency and the development of renewables.

Then, identify key players. Which energy companies or municipalities have a special stake in going solar? Be strategic when you consider your solar sales audience in the midwest.

Lastly, preserve! The midwest is proving to be a late-blooming market for solar energy. If you play your cards right, you might land an impressive solar sale in the midwest.

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Why We Should Pay Attention to Nebraska and Midwestern Solar Development

A Case Study: Learning From Nebraska’s Solar Farm

What Does the Success of Nebraska’s Solar Farm Mean for the Industry?

Moving Beyond Nebraska, Where Else Should Solar Businesses Invest in Sales Marketing?

Next Steps for Tapping Into Midwest Solar Sales

Start making more
money today!

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Why We Should Pay Attention to Nebraska and Midwestern Solar Development

A Case Study: Learning From Nebraska’s Solar Farm

What Does the Success of Nebraska’s Solar Farm Mean for the Industry?

Moving Beyond Nebraska, Where Else Should Solar Businesses Invest in Sales Marketing?

Next Steps for Tapping Into Midwest Solar Sales

Start making more money today!

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