Organic Valley’s August 2019 article describes how collaboration helped the farmer-owned cooperative source all electricity for its owned facilities from renewable energy while supporting rural communities throughout the Midwest.
The initiative began in 2016, when two former coworkers discussed expanding solar energy and helping Organic Valley achieve its renewable electricity goal. That conversation developed into a partnership involving OneEnergy Renewables, the Upper Midwest Municipal Energy Group, corporate supporters, environmental organizations, and municipal partners.
The broader project included 10 solar arrays, with benefits extending to more than 23,000 rural Midwestern households. Partners expected the installations to increase Wisconsin’s solar generation by 30% and provide communities with cheaper renewable electricity for decades.
Delivering the project required overcoming financial complexity, solar tariffs, uncertainty surrounding tax credits, severe flooding, and difficult construction conditions. Crews installed supports in frozen ground during January 2019, then faced muddy conditions as work continued. Wisconsin-based Arch Electric performed electrical work at many sites, contributing to the project’s completion.
By August 1, 2019, the panels were installed and ready to generate electricity. The article presents the achievement as evidence that cooperation among businesses, utilities, communities, and skilled workers can advance renewable energy while strengthening rural America and creating lasting local benefits.
