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.
An introductory guide to typical farm applications for a variety of solar technologies
A brief overview of solar energy technologies used in agriculture. It covers: space and water heating, greenhouse heating, and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems. Produced by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Build It Solar
The site includes calculators, analytical tools for solar work; climate and solar radiation data; properties for materials used in solar projects; wire and pipe tables; and reference books on solar engineering.
Electricity When and Where You Need It from the Sun: Photovoltaics for Farms and Ranches
An online booklet produced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory outlines the different uses of a photovoltaic (PV) system on a farm. It also describes the different types of systems that could be used depending on the job to be done. The end of the booklet contains a list of additional resources that could be used by anybody thinking about implementing such a system.
PV Systems for Livestock Water Pumping
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides this report that describes a study researching the feasibility of implementing a photovoltaic (PV) system for use in pumping water for livestock that took place in a rural Nebraskan community. The local power authority purchased the equipment and then rented it out to farmers who wished to convert their water pumping systems to solar power. This site states the findings of the study as well as points to be considered when installing such a system.
The Solar Estimator
A resource offered by DOE, the California Energy Commission and the Solar Electric Power Association to give you an idea of price, savings and system size. The results are based upon many assumptions and the limited data you will enter. An actual site assessment by a qualified Solar Pro will be needed to determine the actual costs and benefits of installing a solar system.
Up with the Sun: Solar Energy and Agriculture
A short introductory article by the Union of Concerned Scientists about solar energy systems for agriculture. The article offers advice, links, and information to help make purchasing easier.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
ASES is the non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. This website has a lot of information everything from green jobs and technical specifications to publications and an event calendar.
Idaho Office of Energy
A variety of information is available on renewable resources (solar, wind, geothermal, bioenergy), conservation, and financial assistance. The site is also home to Idaho’s Strategic Alliance that is working to develop a sound energy portfolio for the state.
Idaho Renewable Energy Association
This is Idaho’s chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. Its website gives information on everything that is going on in Idaho’s solar world. There is a great calendar of events, trainings, and tours.
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Energize Montana provides information on conservation, energy events, publications, and renewable energy. The renewable energy section contains information on biomass/biofuels, solar/geothermal, wind, net metering as well as available alternative energy loans and tax credits.
Montana Green Power
A basic overview of Montana’s solar power and how it’s used in the State.
Montana Renewable Energy Association
The Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) was established in November 2000 as a nonprofit corporation to support the development of renewable energy in Montana. Specific activities of MREA include expanding the use of renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, small hydro, and geothermal in Montana; affecting public policy in favor of renewable energy; and educating and informing residents of Montana about the benefits and uses of renewable energy.
NASA
Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy renewable energy resource website sponsored by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise Program that contains over 200 satellite-derived meteorological and solar energy parameters, monthly averaged from 10 years of data, and data tables for a particular location.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
An incredible list of resources about photovoltaics for farmers and ranchers. The list provides information on the uses of photovoltaic (PV) systems on farms and ranches, as well as guides to buying and installing a installing a system.
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
NCAT created this site with information, solar success stories and links to other resources. For example, check out two excellent documents: “Solar-Powered Livestock Watering Systems”, and “Solar Greenhouses Resource List.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Power...NaturallySM has been developed as a logo or brand for all of NYSERDA's renewable energy programs. NYSERDA’s library contains numerous articles and reports on how to use solar energy.
Northwest Solar Center
A great resource for Washington farmers and ranchers who want to go solar. The site contains resource links, software, publications, incentive resources, and equipment tests.
Oregon Department of Energy
The Department’s website has information about all types of renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass/biofuels, hydro and ocean wave technology as well as conservation and financial assistance programs. It also explains how Oregon is meeting the challenge of climate change.
Oregon Department of Agriculture
The Department’s website covers energy and agriculture, including types of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and incentives for energy projects.
Solar Energy Industries Association
SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.
Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)
SEPA is comprised of over 560 utilities and solar industry members. From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence.
Solar Oregon
This is Oregon’s chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. Its website gives information on everything that is going on in Oregon’s solar world. There is a great calendar of events, trainings, and tours.
Solar Washington
This is Washington’s chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. Its website gives information on everything that is going on in Washington’s solar world. There is a great calendar of events, trainings, and tours.
U.S. Department of Energy and: (http://www.energysavers.gov/your_workplace/farms_ranches/index.cfm/mytopic=30006) This government site has excellent information and links regarding solar resources. This site answers many specific and how-to questions regarding solar systems.
