KALONA — The opening of the state’s largest solar farm heralds an era of solar power growth in Iowa, state renewable energy leaders said Thursday.“This takes us to a new level,” said Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, one of several state legislators attending a ribbon cutting for Farmers Electric Cooperative’s new array of 2,900 solar panels capable of generating more than 1 million kilowatt-hours each year.“Just six years ago Iowa’s largest solar installation was generating just 7 kwh,” said Hogg, a leader in the effort to promote renewable energy in Iowa.With its new solar array, the 650-member Farmers Electric Cooperative can generate up to 1800 watts of solar power per customer, giving it the highest per capita solar generation rate of any utility in the country.“The solar farm and our other clean local generation — including geothermal and wind — is part of our commitment to generate 15 percent of our power locally with renewables by 2025,” said Warren McKenna, the co-op’s general manager and chief executive officer.“Generating our own power close to our customers allows us to reduce transmission losses, secure long-term rates and keep more money local,” McKenna said.The array, on a 4.5-acre site northwest of Kalona, will generate enough energy to power about 120 homes.