Energy and small farm sustainability

Reduce electricity bills on the farm and explore whether renewable technologies might be a good fit. CET researches and promotes viable energy conservation and renewable energy projects for farms in the Berkshire area. By developing demonstration programs, we will share results. Learn more!

Our work with farms to reduce energy use and promote renewable energy was highlighted in the 2006/2007 Sustainable Energy Research and Education (SARE) report. Read the entire SARE 2006/2007 report and discover sustainable innovations in agriculture across the country.

Read about farm technologies that can reduce electric bills and increase energy efficiency:

View photographs of solar panels being installed at Gould Farm, Monterey Massachusetts, the new 3.8 Kw solar electric system at Brookfield farm in Amherst, Massachusetts and the 1 kw solar electric system at Howden Farm in Sheffield, MA.Learn how these farmers were able to tap the power of the sun.

Other Resources

A small scale photovoltaic installation that powers an electric fence system at Caretaker Farm in Williamstown. The fence charging battery provides clean energy and the charge controller prevents the battery from being overcharged or damaged. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Philbrick, USDA NRCS)

Hear a news story from WAMC- Northeast Public Radio about CET's Energy and Small Farm Sustainability project.

This fact sheet provides an overview of Agricultural uses of solar power. (Produced by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network, a program of U.S. Department of Energy.)

Read about incentives from Massachusetts Electric Company for farm-based energy efficiency improvements online, or download the pdf for printing.