Solar Energy

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Solar energy — the energy source for growing crops
— is also useful for heating air or water and for generating electricity.

Simple "passive solar design" techniques reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling. For example, south-facing windows and the use of heat-absorbing tile, concrete flooring, or other "thermal mass" can keep buildings warmer. Carefully designed awnings and landscaping can keep buildings cooler in hot weather.

Sunlight can also be used to heat water for home or agricultural uses, including applications in greenhouses and radiant floor heating.

The term "photovoltaics" (abbreviated "PV") refers to the use of solar energy to generate electricity. Farmers and ranchers are using photovoltaics to pump water, power lighting, charge electric fences, and run all sorts of appliances at locations far from the power grid.

The publications and links below explain how solar energy can benefit your farm, ranch or rural business.

NOTE: Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Acrobat Reader.

ATTRA Publications

Success Stories

Carolina Dairies See Fast Payback from Solar Water Systems

Wyoming Ranchers Install Solar-Powered Water Livestock Pumps

Solar Water Pumping Systems Economically Competitive, According to Study

New York Farmers Receive State Agency Assistance for Solar Energy Installation
[PDF / 408K]

Solar Energy Links

Solar Water Pump Systems for Livestock Watering
The Jefferson County Conservation District (in Washington State) has written up several excellent case studies regarding solar water pump systems.

An Introduction to Solar Energy Applications for Agriculture [PDF / 1.1M]
This publication by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority includes information on space and water heating, greenhouse heating and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems.

Agricultural Applications of Solar Energy
This U.S. Department of Energy publication explains agricultural uses of solar power, including crop drying, space/water heating, greenhouse heating, electric production and water pumping.

Up with the Sun: Solar Energy and Agriculture
This Union of Concerned Scientists website includes explanations of solar energy for crop drying, greenhouses, and electricity generation.

FarmEnergy.org’s Solar Energy Resources
The Environmental Law and Policy Center provides this web page on farm applications of solar energy, including case studies and information on solar energy technologies, financial incentives, and related news.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Solar Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
General resources, tools, workshop notices, and financing assistance.

New York Solar Energy Industry Association

Solar Electric Power Association
SEPA's mission is to facilitate the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities, electric service providers, and their customers.

Solar Energy Industries Association
News, explanations of solar energy technologies, online resources, and publications, including a guide to solar energy-related federal tax incentives.

American Solar Energy Society
News articles, event notices, and 'Solar Guide', an introduction to solar energy.

Montana Green Power: Solar in Agriculture
Information on water pumping, financing, and links to related news articles.

U.S. Department of Energy/EERE: Net Metering Policies
Explains net metering policies and provides several relevant links.

Solarbuzz.com
Solar energy news developments worldwide, including current prices, ongoing projects, and news articles. The site also offers industry statistics and advice on purchasing solar energy systems.

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Last Updated January 6, 2009

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