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The Future of Energy Independence in Agriculture
John Klehn, Managing Partner, Accu-Steel Fabric Covered BuildingsTo ensure our solutions are as durable and reliable as our customers demand, we put them to the test ourselves before offering them to the market. With this approach in mind, we recently piloted our solar-integrated building concept at our headquarters in Audubon, Iowa. In June 2025, we achieved a major milestone: powering a cattle barn, office, outbuilding, and residence independent of the electrical grid for 30 days. Equipped with flexible rooftop solar panels and a commercial-grade battery system, the building generated more energy than it consumed—even through three consecutive cloudy days—proving its potential to deliver real energy independence
Real-world results, ready for farmers
From May 4 to June 4, our building produced 1,828.8 kilowatt-hours of energy and consumed 1,537.4 kilowatt-hours—all while maintaining battery reserves above 49%. The energy surplus alone (291.4 kilowatt-hours) is enough to power over 1,000 hours of use for tools like drills and saws, provide one month of LED lighting for a large farm shop or machine shed, or charge a cordless electric skid steer 75 times.
This isn't just proof of concept, this is energy independence in action. The building, which doubles as storage for equipment and commodities, operated as a self-contained microgrid, showcasing how producers can reduce reliance on traditional energy sources while gaining cost predictability.
For farmers, this technology represents a game-changer. Rising energy costs and grid instability are growing concerns, driven by increasing demand from automation, data centers, and artificial intelligence. A solar-integrated building can help remove these variables by putting the power quite literally in the hands of producers. It’s one less input to forecast, one less cost to worry about, and a way to safeguard your farm from unexpected power fluctuations.
Innovations tailored to agriculture
Unlike traditional solar installations, which are often rigid and complex, our buildings feature flexible solar panels seamlessly integrated into the fabric structure. Rounded tops maximize sun exposure while ensuring a weather-tight seal, resolving issues commonly faced by roof-mounted systems.
We collaborated with Pvilion for solar technology, which has allowed us to create a scalable solution that enhances building utility without taking up additional space. These systems are versatile enough to power anything from irrigation pumps to lighting and ventilation systems—they’ve even been tested in rugged applications like military hangars.
Building toward a sustainable future
This is just the beginning. We’re currently refining the design to ensure it's farmer-tested and field-ready. With plans to launch commercially in 2026, our primary focus is on cattle barns and general farm-use buildings. Early adopters can expect a rapid return on investment, particularly in sectors like livestock operations where energy use is high.
The stakes are significant. To meet the demands of emerging technologies, the U.S. will need to quintuple its power generation. For farmers, this means rising costs and greater competition for resources. By transitioning to solar-integrated systems, agriculture can reduce its dependence on external energy sources and lead the way in sustainable power solutions.
At Accu-Steel, we’re proud to partner with farmers in this journey, delivering innovative, resilient, and scalable solutions that address the challenges of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow. Because when it comes to energy independence, the future isn’t just an idea—it’s already here, and it’s powered by the sun.
Unlike traditional solar installations, which are often rigid and complex, our buildings feature flexible solar panels seamlessly integrated into the fabric structure. Rounded tops maximize sun exposure while ensuring a weather-tight seal, resolving issues commonly faced by roof-mounted systems.
We collaborated with Pvilion for solar technology, which has allowed us to create a scalable solution that enhances building utility without taking up additional space. These systems are versatile enough to power anything from irrigation pumps to lighting and ventilation systems—they’ve even been tested in rugged applications like military hangars.-
Energy independence isn’t just a concept anymore—we’ve proven it’s possible on a working farm. Our solar-integrated building powered every part of our operation except the manufacturing floor for 30 days straight, without drawing a single kilowatt from the grid. For farmers, that means fewer input costs, fewer surprises, and a more resilient operation built for the future of agriculture
Building toward a sustainable future
This is just the beginning. We’re currently refining the design to ensure it's farmer-tested and field-ready. With plans to launch commercially in 2026, our primary focus is on cattle barns and general farm-use buildings. Early adopters can expect a rapid return on investment, particularly in sectors like livestock operations where energy use is high.
The stakes are significant. To meet the demands of emerging technologies, the U.S. will need to quintuple its power generation. For farmers, this means rising costs and greater competition for resources. By transitioning to solar-integrated systems, agriculture can reduce its dependence on external energy sources and lead the way in sustainable power solutions.
At Accu-Steel, we’re proud to partner with farmers in this journey, delivering innovative, resilient, and scalable solutions that address the challenges of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow. Because when it comes to energy independence, the future isn’t just an idea—it’s already here, and it’s powered by the sun.
