The educational materials listed on this page are about Renewable Energy.
Renewable energy can address critical resource needs in agriculture as well as the challenges of climate change, which can impact agriculture in many ways. Farm energy production can contribute to overall economic viability of farms. Therefore, thinking about alternative sources, such as solar energy, geothermal energy and wind energy, is important to farm economics and sustainable practices. Using solar power, a farmer can boost on-farm energy production without dramatically raising costs. Green energy, also known as clean energy, is a viable option for combating climate change. Investing in this kind of sustainable energy on your farm operation could prove beneficial to farm finances. Geothermal power and wind power are both clean power options worth considering if a financially sound and sustainably managed farm is the end goal. Key practices include energy conservation/efficiency, energy use and consumption, byproduct utilization, renewable energy, solar energy, wind power, geothermal.
Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables is a bulletin SARE offers that can help farmers turn to clean energy practices on their operations, whether large or small. This will help farmers learn ways to implement farming practices that save energy, protect natural resources, and produce and use renewable fuels. For farmers who want to better understand the role of sustainable management of water in a farm system, including geothermal, check out Smart Water Use on your Farm or Ranch. SARE’s book Building a Sustainable Business aids producers in building both a sustainable and profitable business plan for their new enterprise that includes renewable energy options. The Farm Energy Topic Room provides a wealth of information on clean energy topics, including biodiesel, farm energy audits, solar and wind energy, and more.
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Solar-Clips Series Shines Light on Photovoltaics
University of Maryland extension has created a catalogue of videos that are a great resource for farmers or anyone else looking to install solar panels Northeast SARE grantees share their experience, insights, and stories in a variety of ways. As project leader for ENE20-165, Drew Schiavone from University of Maryland went above and beyond to […]
On-Farm Smart Energy Buying and Use
This is part of the Farm Energy IQ Curriculum Series. With the understanding of deregulated energy markets and having an option to buy energy at less expensive times of the day, how can you change your habits to take advantage?
On-Farm Energy Efficiency
This curriculum module covers the fundamentals of energy systems. Basic thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion processes and discussion of energy efficiency and specific applications on farms are addressed.
On-Farm Energy Production - Solar
This solar electricity and solar thermal module provides a basic understanding and how to calculate a simple payback term for the installation of different size systems. Learn about programs that may be available to subsidize your investment.
On-Farm Energy Production - Wind
Is wind energy a viable option for your home or business to lower reliance on the grid supplied electricity? In this module, learn how to gauge your the wind resource where you live and calculate the likely annual electricity production.
Powering Your Farm Off-the-Grid
Is it possible to operate a farm off-the-grid, and what are the challenges and opportunities? Raymond Luhrman will take you on a virtual tour of Fox Creek Farm and describe how his family operates their 350 member Community Supported Agriculture operation from electricity produced right on site. This webinar is part of the New Generation Energy Webinar Series, partially funded by the Northeast SARE's New York Professional Development Program.
Dreaming of Local Lemons: Solar Energy Virtual Tour
Summit Naturals Organic Farm has a high tunnel and greenhouse, whose active solar heating systems allow them to grow greens throughout the winter and tropical fruits such as oranges, lemons, pineapples and figs. This webinar is part of the New Generation Energy Webinar Series, partially funded by the Northeast SARE's New York Professional Development Program.
The Owner-Built Savonius Rotor
Investing in commercially available renewable-energy devices usually requires large capital investments and long payback periods. This farmer has explored a low-cost alternative.
Thirsty Livestock? Use Sun or Wind to Power a Remote Watering System
Are you getting tired of hauling water to livestock in remote pastures? Jonathan Barter will show us the renewable energy powered watering system on his 210 acre livestock farm. This webinar is part of the 2014 Sustainable Farm Energy Webinar Series, partially funded by the Northeast SARE's New York Professional Development Program.
The Savonius Rotor
One farmer's prototype of a silo-mounted augmented Savonius wind turbine that can deliver substantial power output, yet is inexpensive and simple enough in its construction, installation, and electrical engineering to be easily built and maintained on a typical small farm.