News > A Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions – Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

A Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions – Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

September 2023

Throughout 2023, Stearns Electric will be featuring residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural EnergyWise programs, rebates and other cost and energy saving features in our Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions. In September, we are featuring member Skaj Farms and Variable Frequency Drives.

Member Interview

SKAJ FARMS
Member since 1986

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO INSTALL A VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE (VFD) FOR YOUR IRRIGATOR?
We installed the electric variable frequency drive (VFD) on our irrigator in 2022 as our diesel motor was nearing the end of its life. We decided at that time that the investment into the electric VFD motor made more sense looking at electric rates versus diesel rates.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST BENEFIT?
The cost has been the biggest benefit. The cost per acre and price per hour of run time is cheaper than using the diesel motor. There are also environmental benefits, less maintenance to worry about and it’s much easier to switch between high and low pressure with the VFD.

ARE THERE ANY INCONVENIENCES?
The only inconvenience thus far has been the learning curve with the VFD technology. It takes a little bit of time to manage what the best settings are for your crop.

HOW MUCH DID YOU RECEIVE IN REBATES?
We received a $2,000 rebate for a 200 hp VFD.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU SAVED?
In comparing electric costs to the current cost of diesel this year, we will save nearly $20,000 throughout our 2023 irrigation season.

HOW MUCH ENERGY HAVE YOU SAVED?
The VFD has saved us about 300% in our energy consumption year-over-year by being able to vary the speed of the pump to a lower speed as needed to run the irrigation system at its maximum efficiency level.

Agricultural Irrigation VFD

Installing a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) allows the irrigator pump to speed up or slow down to provide uniform application of water and maintain correct pressures throughout the irrigation system. Typically, a VFD will be most beneficial for a system that has end guns or swing arms, precision application packages or one pump supplying water to multiple irrigation systems.

REBATE REQUIREMENTS:

• Evaluation must be complete before funds will be issued for the rebate.
• Members and vendors must submit itemized equipment invoices, rebate applications and manufacturer equipment specifications.
• The Cooperative reserves the right to conduct random inspections of installations.
• Rebates must be applied for within 12 months of invoice date.
• Project must comply with all program-specific rules and qualifications.
• The member is responsible for checking with the Cooperative to determine funding and availability to verify program parameters.

*The maximum rebate shall not exceed 25% of material costs OR project cost, up to$10,000 per member.

Stearns Electric offers residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural rebates for our member-consumers. By upgrading to more efficient equipment and enrolling in our EnergyWise programs, you will save money and energy every month. Contact Stearns Electric at (800) 962-0655 for more information.

Click to see the full September Innovative Energy Solutions feature.