Solar is a 30-year asset, but for a hog producer, the ten-year mark is the real test. Can the equipment handle a decade of North Iowa winters, high-humidity barn environments, and rising utility costs?
In 2014, Al Nash partnered with Artisun Solar to install a solar array at his 2,400-head finishing site. He wanted to offset the high costs of ventilation and heating while taking advantage of tax credits. Ten years later, Al has the data to show that the system performs exactly as promised.
Understanding Solar Performance Over Time
Like any major piece of equipment, solar panels slowly lose a bit of efficiency over the years. This gradual drop is called degradation, and it’s a normal part of how solar works.
Think of it like a combine or tractor. It might not have the same peak fuel efficiency after 10,000 hours as it did at 100, but it remains the workhorse of the farm.
Most commercial solar panels degrade at a very low rate, usually around 0.3% to 0.6% annually. That means after a decade, the system might produce just a little less energy than when it was first installed, but it still delivers the majority of the power it was designed to generate.
Even with this natural decline, solar remains a strong, long-lasting way to reduce energy costs and keep electricity predictable for years to come.
Al Nash and His High-Energy Facility
Like other hog operations, Al’s facility requires constant electricity demand. Heating, ventilation, and automated feeding systems all contribute to high energy use, and managing those costs is a daily challenge.
To lower utility expenses and gain more predictable energy costs, Al decided to invest in a solar system. The array was installed and began producing electricity right away, offsetting a meaningful portion of the facility’s energy needs from day one.
Al has watched his solar system perform year after year, and the results have been steady. While solar output naturally varies from season to season, the panels consistently generate electricity and keep energy costs down.
“Over the years, the system has needed almost no maintenance,” Al said. “The only time we had to call an electrician was after a tornado shifted part of the array and some connections came loose. Other than that, it has just kept running.”
Weather can affect solar production. Cloudy days, snow, or rain can reduce output temporarily, but these fluctuations are normal and expected. Even after severe weather events, the panels have held up without damage.
The system continues to operate exactly as it was designed, producing reliable energy for the farm with very little attention required.
Surviving an Iowa Tornado
Iowa is known for its harsh weather, and the panels have withstood against whatever nature threw in its path for more than a decade, from heavy snow to severe thunderstorms. And in 2019, severe weather spawned a tornado that moved through Al’s area.
While his house and hog barns weren’t in the tornado’s direct path, it caused damage to both. The air pressure was so intense it sucked the louvers off his fans.
The tornado’s impact also shifted the solar array’s pillars which caused one section of the array to raise up. The increased tension caused some of the electrical connections to pull apart, but the bulk of the damage was cosmetic.
“I contacted Kirk (Artisun Solar CEO and founder), and he had an electrician up here,” Al says. “Since we fixed those few wires, we haven’t had any issues. There’s been zero maintenance on it, to be honest.”
As you can see in the chart above, energy production in 2020 returned to expected levels.
Ground Mounts vs. Snow
Because Al opted for a ground-mounted system rather than a roof-mounted one, he was initially worried about snow buildup. Northern Iowa is known for its heavy snow with an annual snowfall averaging 41 inches.
“The first couple years, I bought a snow scraper to get the snow off,” Al explains. “I realized I was wasting my time. After a snowstorm, it’s usually cloudy anyway. Within a day or two, the pitch of the panels lets the snow clean itself off. I haven’t touched them since.”
The Payoff: $300 to $600 Monthly
As a self-described “numbers guy,” Al tracks his production against his utility bill every month. While his local REC (Rural Electric Cooperative) has raised rates to nearly 14 cents per kWh, Al’s solar production remains a fixed cost.
Each month, the system keeps $300 to $600 in his pocket, and the full-year projection sits around $5,000 in savings. The system was paid off in full within five years, and monthly savings now go back into the farm rather than to the utility company.
Because the system runs smoothly with minimal maintenance, Al doesn’t have to worry about unexpected repairs or downtime. Reliable production and simple upkeep mean the farm can count on energy costs staying predictable.
Combined, these benefits show how solar fits into farm operations: it helps control costs, keeps equipment running without constant oversight, and frees up resources for other priorities.
Why Producers Are Looking For Solar in 2026
Al’s motivation in 2014 was a mix of tax strategy and energy savings. That same opportunity exists today, but the clock is ticking. Federal solar tax credits are currently set to change after December 31, 2027.
Al Nash’s experience shows that the technology is no longer a ‘test’ or an experiment. It is a proven way to stabilize a hog farm’s overhead.
“I’m very thankful it sits there,” Al says. “Every month, that’s money in my pocket.”
If you’re wondering what solar can do for your business today, tomorrow, and 10+ years down the line, let’s talk. Start here for your free solar analysis.
Solar Glossary
- AC (Alternating Current): The standard form of electricity used in commercial buildings. Converted from DC by a solar inverter to power lighting, equipment, HVAC systems, and more.
- DC (Direct Current): The type of electricity solar panels naturally generate. It must be converted into AC to be used in commercial facilities.
- Degradation Rate: The annual percentage decrease in solar panel output due to age or environmental exposure. Most commercial panels degrade at just 0.3%-0.5% per year.
- kWh (Kilowatt-Hour): A unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used or generated over time. One kWh equals the energy consumed by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour.
- Production Variability: Normal year-to-year fluctuations in energy production caused by changes in weather, snowfall, or cloud cover. These variances don’t typically affect long-term solar performance.
- Photovoltaic (PV): A technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells in a ground- or rooftop-mounted system.
- Solar Array: A group of solar panels connected together to generate electricity. In commercial settings, arrays are typically mounted on rooftops or installed on the ground.
Solar Degradation FAQs
- What is solar panel degradation? Solar panel degradation refers to the gradual decrease in energy output that occurs as panels age. All panels experience some level of performance decline over their lifespan.
- How much do solar panels typically degrade each year? Most quality solar panels degrade between 0.3% to 0.6% annually. After 10 years, you’d expect total output to drop by roughly 3% to 6%.
- Does degradation significantly impact solar savings? Not really. The savings from lower electricity bills far outweigh the minimal decrease in production. Systems continue generating strong returns throughout their 25 to 30-year lifespan.
- How long do solar panels maintain strong performance? Quality commercial panels typically maintain 80% to 90% of their original output after 25 years. Many continue producing well beyond 30 years with proper installation.
- Are solar panels designed to withstand weather and environmental factors? Yes. Commercial panels are engineered to handle extreme temperatures, heavy snow loads, high winds, hail, and UV exposure. They’re tested to last decades in harsh conditions.
