1. Tell us about your organization.
Net Zero Energy LLC is a Midwest-born energy development and consulting firm based in Sioux Falls, SD, dedicated to securing energy independence for businesses, farms, and communities across the region. We act as energy developers and consultants — auditing operations, identifying inefficiencies, and deploying innovative efficiency technologies including solar PV, battery backup, and hybrid generator/solar systems. We also provide water efficiency services and energy monitoring solutions, giving our clients full visibility and control over their resource consumption. Our mission is to empower clients with self-sustaining systems that build resilience against grid strain, rising utility costs, and future energy shortages.
2. What types of renewable energy does your organization focus on?
Our primary focus is solar energy, specifically Solar PV systems paired with battery storage and hybrid generator/solar configurations. These are custom-designed for each client to supplement or fully sustain their energy needs. Beyond generation, we specialize in energy efficiency technologies — advanced HVAC controls, LED lighting, and smart automation — that reduce overall consumption by up to 30%. We also provide energy monitoring services so clients can track usage in real time, and water efficiency services to help businesses manage another critical and often overlooked resource.
3. What inspired your organization to get involved in renewable energy?
Net Zero Energy was born out of a clear and urgent concern: as utilities increasingly pivot to serve AI-driven data centers and other large-scale power consumers, Midwest businesses and communities will be left exposed to soaring costs and an overstretched grid - joining the rest of the country soon enough. We recognized that farms, small businesses, manufacturers, and rural communities — the backbone of the heartland — needed a local advocate and solutions provider. Our inspiration wasn't about going "green" for its own sake; it was about freedom and resilience. That philosophy — it's not about going green, it's about being free — continues to drive everything we do.
4. What motivated you to become a member of SoDak Renewables?
We joined SoDak Renewables because we believe that advancing South Dakota's renewable energy future requires a strong, unified voice. Our work is inherently local and community-focused, and being part of an association that shares those values helps us stay connected to the broader landscape of policy, innovation, and partnership happening across the state. Membership allows us to contribute our perspective on what Midwest businesses and rural communities actually need, and to collaborate with others who are working toward a more resilient and independent energy future for South Dakota.
5. What developments in South Dakota's renewable energy future are you most excited about?
We're most excited about the growing recognition that energy independence isn't just a possibility — it's a necessity. As grid reliability becomes an increasing concern and energy costs continue to rise, we see South Dakota businesses and agricultural operations becoming far more open to hybrid solar-battery systems, energy monitoring platforms, and efficiency technologies that put control back in their hands. We're also excited about the expansion of water efficiency awareness alongside energy, as the two are deeply connected for agriculture and industry. The more communities understand the full picture of their resource usage, the better positioned they'll be for a resilient future.
6. Can you share a recent project, partnership, or initiative that you're particularly proud of?
We are currently working with dairy farmers here in the Midwest on custom Solar PV systems and comprehensive energy independence plans, as well as partnering with dairy farmers in Texas to develop off-grid solar solutions for livestock shelters. Alongside these projects, we are engaged with several dairy farmers and large agriculture businesses — among the heaviest water and energy consumers in any industry — to implement tailored energy and water efficiency and monitoring solutions that give operators real-time visibility into their resource usage and help reduce waste. These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to serving agriculture, the backbone of the heartland, and we look forward to expanding these efforts across South Dakota and the broader Midwest.
How can others connect with your organization?
- Phone: 605-277-8089
- Website: https://nzenergy.us
Rod Tillma - President
- Phone: 605-467-0812
- Email: rod@nzenergy.us
Chief Relations Officer
- Phone: 605-277-8089
- Email: taylor@nzenergy.us
Steven Shaw - Chief Operations Officer
- Phone: 605-277-8102
- Email: steven@nzenergy.us