The Tenco 4-bay hydroponic greenhouse and the adjacent Multipurpose Facility for processing, grading, and packaging produce officially went “off the grid” on Monday afternoon.

A 74.88 kWh Solar System is now operational at these facilities in Wapello, County, which serves as an employment and training site for people with disabilities while producing an abundance of locally grown pesticide free produce for retail establishments in our region; in addition, a portion of the produce is gifted to the Southern Iowa Food Bank and Blessings Soup Kitchen.

The Solar System will produce 110,170 kWh’s annually which will cover 100% of anticipated energy usage in these facilities. The solar panels remain under warranty for 25 years, but because there are no moving parts will most likely last 35-40 years.

The Tenco Hydroponic Greenhouse and Solar Complex is one of the recent projects funded through the Tenco Capital Campaign which winds down at the end of December, and is an exemplary project that combines “locally grown produce; supporting people with disabilities; and healing the planet” in the words of Kent Walker, Capital Campaign Chair.