King Ranch has enjoyed the benefits of the sun for over 200 years. This 825,000-acre ranch is the reason Kingsville, Texas, got its name.
This oasis is located in the Wild Horse Desert, South Texas. It’s larger than Rhode Island. The area is known for its cattle ranching and farming (such as turf grass and citrus) and luxury leather products.
The sun has a huge impact on all types of production at the ranch. The weather cycles determine how well crops and livestock produce.
Tio Kleberg is a rancher who has changed his way of life since the sun came out.
TIO KLEBERG, KING RANCH’S TIO, CONNECTS TO SOLAR
Meet Stephen J. “Tio” Kleberg. If you’re a Texas native, he needs no introduction. Tio spent his entire professional career working at the famous ranch. He is also active in business and civic affairs at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
When his electric bills became a problem, we contacted Tio. Richard, Tio’s dad, built the ranch in the 1950s. His childhood home is now his current residence. Kleberg, whose electricity bills were over $750 per month, thought about solar.
Solar panels installed on his ranch provide 50% of the energy he needs each month. Kleberg will save $400 per month on his utility bills and reduce his carbon emissions in half with this 50% reduction. This will save Kleberg $140,000 over the next 25 years in utility bills.
Tio said, “I will be very happy when I no longer have to rely on the utility company to power my house.”
Solar is a powerful alternative that allows you to conserve energy without having to cut back on your electricity. It’s not necessary to reduce the thermostat or turn off the lights to save money. Solar allows you to live your life without feeling confined.
CUSTOM CUSTOMISED SOLAR PANELS FOR THE KING RANGERS
Freedom Solar provided the Klebergs with 85 panels totaling 37 kilowatts. They were installed as a two-line ground mounting on a grassy slope between the ranch and Santa Gertrudis Creek. Our founder and Chief Installer, Adrian Buck, led the project. You’ll always find him on the roof, not behind a desk.
Although we usually install solar systems as rooftop systems on our properties, Adrian and his design team chose a ground-mount system that was custom-fit for this property’s unique energy needs and landscape.
The installation environment required perseverance and grit. Our crew was also entertained by a variety of wildlife during installation week, including diamondback rattlesnakes and mosquitos. Fire ants, waterbirds, and even crocodiles were seen! The team was able to produce a quality solar array despite the challenges.
We are committed to completing every project, no matter how long it takes.
A KING RANCH LEGACY WITH SOLAR POWER
Adrian said, “Working for people in remote locations or historical significance is one of the most rewarding parts of solar installation.” This project met all these criteria, and I think it will add to the history of the King Ranch. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this installation and to contribute to its success. Solar power is now working for the ranch.
Mark Mariano said, “This was definitely one of those cool projects in a cool place,” our VP for operations, who was on-site during the installation. Mark Mariano, our VP of operations on-site for the installation, said: “This was a really cool project at a really cool place.”
The Klebergs solar array will prevent the burning of 1 million pounds of coal to produce electricity. “I want to leave a legacy for my children that is better than what I left behind.” Solar is a good example of how to improve the land and conservation methods. It will last for 150 years.
Solar can help you live more powerfully. Are you looking to upgrade, maintain, or repair your solar system? We can provide you with the best possible energy efficiency and production by restoring and maintaining your solar system.