A 150-cow dairy farm near Otterburne, Manitoba is wrapping up installation of its new solar energy installation.

The 520 solar panels put up by Optimist Holsteins is one of the largest installations in the province.

Owner Hans Gorter says they wanted to take advantage of a rebate offered by Manitoba Hydro.

"We have 175 kilowatts coming online probably as early as next week that will take care of our whole farm," he explained. "On a yearly base it should be net zero. You have no battery hookups but you have a meter and the hydro meter runs backwards when we produce at daytime and we take a little back from the grid at nighttime."

The installation includes 520 solar panels

The initial cost of the project was about $400,000, however Gorter says his cost will be about $250,000 after the Manitoba Hydro rebate. He expects to recover that cost in about 10 years, noting the next 15 years after that would basically be free.

Gorter, who's originally from the Netherlands, says now is the time for Manitobans to start harnessing the power of the sun.

"Manitoba has sat back too long because of the low rates," he commented. "We are the best situated for solar. We have more intense daylight in Manitoba than probably anywhere else in this country."

A grand opening is planned to take place in the next month or so.