First Net-Zero Solar Powered Business In Iowa Finishes Solar Array

The Sky Factory, a global fine art and technology company that creates virtual skylights and windows for interior environments, has just become the first net-zero solar powered business in the state of Iowa. Designed and installed by Fairfield’s Ideal Energy, the 3,500 sq. ft. PV panel array, generating 54 kW, is the largest private installation in Iowa and will cover 104 percent of Sky Factory’s power needs.

Members of the Fairfield community and beyond gathered to celebrate the launch of this landmark renewable energy system. Sky Factory founder Bill Witherspoon explained that the choice to go solar was easy. “Our ‘eco-conscience’ tells us that implementing renewable energy systems is the right thing to do — for the planet, for our children and for ourselves — a necessity for a sustainable future. Sky Factory’s solar array is a manifestation of a consensus-based company and represents our unified desire to develop and act on that inner knowing.”

Representing the eco-conscience of the future, nearly 100 children of all ages participated in a collective reading of the original Eco-Conscience Pledge. Students shared their ideas on solar energy and sustainability, including the Maharishi School (MSAE) girls’ ninth and tenth grade team who won seventh place at the recent World Destination ImagiNation creative problem-solving competition for their gravitational solar energy slingshot prototype.

Commenting on the important role of children in the Sky Factory event, Witherspoon explains, “Long-term, our eco-conscience lies with those young people of the world who possess sufficient purity of heart and forward-looking vision to continually remind us through their committed speech and actions that we must do the right thing for the future life of the planet. In this role, each quietly reminds our families, our schools, our communities, and the world of what we must do.”

Mayor Ed Malloy stepped up to the vintage Power Wagon podium and acknowledged Sky Factory’s move to solar as a realization of goals established by Fairfield’s Go Green Commission. Ideal Energy owner Troy Van Beek served for a year as a member of the Commission, developing a comprehensive sustainability plan for the city. The former US Navy SEAL founded Ideal Energy in 2009 to begin helping the city to fulfill the steps outlined in the plan. Van Beek is currently in Washington, DC speaking to the Obama Administration about renewable energy, sustainability policy, and advancing the green economy.

Ideal Energy has worked on some of the largest installations in the state, proving that solar is a viable option for renewable energy in Iowa and the Midwest. Van Beek explained, “It’s inspiring for us to work with companies who are creating models for positive change. The original proposal was for a 20kW system, but Sky Factory made a consensus-based decision to more than double the size and cover 100% of their power needs. Any surplus produced will feed back to the grid and provide energy for other Alliant customers.”

The festivities culminated in a collective “flipping the switch” Rube Goldberg-style, with children tugging on ropes to launch a giant green “ON” sign symbolizing Sky Factory’s move to solar energy. The crowd cheered as the system officially went live and 11 homing pigeons, representing the instinctive connection with nature present in us all, were released. Visitors toured Sky Factory, the organic garden with greenhouse and newly arrived baby chicks, learned about the latest in solar technology, and signed the poster-sized Eco-Conscience Pledge.