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Generate Energy on the Farm
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Stateline Farm in Shaftsbury,
Vt. is gearing up to produce 100,000 gallons per year of biodiesel
at its on-farm facility.
– Photo by Vern Grubinger |
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Biomass crops, converted vegetable oil or animal manure, windmills
and solar panels – across America, farmers are increasingly
exploring a range of energy technologies to “grow” energy
on the farm. Some produce primarily for their own use, while others
generate enough energy to sell back to the grid or in biofuels markets.
Many farmers combine different renewable energy sources to develop
highly self-sufficient systems.
 In
Minnesota, Steven Schwen uses both solar and biomass to heat his
greenhouse.
In Vermont,
John Williamson constructed a passive solar facility where he
will produce biodiesel from locally grown canola, mustard and
flax.
In Missouri,
Dan West is developing a prototype solar concentrator to help
power his waste-fruit ethanol still.
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