Renewable Energy
Wind and Solar on the Farm

As some of the world’s most important environmental stewards, farmers have a long tradition of protecting the land, air, and water they use to grow food for their communities. Investing in renewable energy is one way that farmers can continue this tradition. Renewable energy refers to non-fossil fuel sources of energy. Fossil fuels ( coal, oil and gas) are not renewable because they take millions of years to form and there are limited amounts of each stored in the earth. Wind and solar are both considered renewable energy sources because humans will never exhaust the supply. Building renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels is also a way for farmers to join in the fight against global climate change. In fact, coupled with cost-effective energy efficiency measures and homegrown biomass, renewable energy has the potential to make many farms carbon neutral.

Go to: Net-Metering and Government Programs

Both government programs and net-metering can be financial resources to fund renewable energy.

Unlike a standard electric utility meter that measures only how much energy is consumed by the customer, net metering uses a bi-directional meter that records the flow of electricity both to and from the customer. This simple bi-directional meter opens up a whole new opportunity for customers with their own renewable energy systems. Net metering allows users to sell extra energy back to the utility for use by other customers connected to the grid. By selling electricity back to the grid, farmers who install renewable energy systems are able to do more than simply replace dirty, expensive fossil fuel powered electricity: They are able to turn excess energy into dollars.

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Renewable Energy: Wind
Put the power of wind to work

Wind power can provide a long term source of electricity with a reasonable payback period.

Anyone who has been outside in a strong storm is familiar with the power of the wind. For centuries, farmers harnessed this power using windmills to grind grain and pump water. In a similar fashion, wind turbines turn wind into valuable electricity that powers pumps, motors, and equipment, as well as provides light and heat for barns and homes. When combined with net metering, a wind turbine may reduce expensive electricity bills, or, if the turbine is installed on a site for optimum efficiency, it may actually turn a profit. Along with other means for achieving energy efficiency such as, biomass, solar and methane, etc., wind may help small and medium farms become completely energy independent.

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Renewable Energy: Solar
Solar has no fuel costs

With a little assistance, solar power can be a viable option for America’s Independent farmers.

Every farmer knows the power and importance of the sun. It keeps our planet warm and it is a key ingredient in growing crops and feed. Most people are familiar with using the sun’s energy for heat – greenhouses trap the sun’s energy to warm plants in cold times, allowing production year-round even in northern climates. But the sun’s energy does more than provide heat. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, convert sunlight into valuable electricity. The most efficient solar cells convert about fifteen percent of direct sunlight into energy. Historically, this electricity heated and provided light to buildings and produced hot water. Presently, farms utilize solar panels to power electric fences, water pumps, irrigation systems, and much more. The most commonly installed solar panels mount on roof tops or are free standing, angled cells placed on small towers.

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