Solar power has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in New Mexico, we had solar panels on the roof of our home in the 80s. They provided all the hot water we needed and, in the evenings, a fan blew the residual heat to warm our home. It was a simple system, but in the nearly two decades it was installed, not once did we fill the propane tank sitting outside.
The Energy Information Administration says, in 2020, nearly 4% of U.S. homes, including mobile homes, generated electricity from small-scale solar systems.
As someone frustrated when fuel prices go higher or heating costs jump, I understand the pull to disconnect. Nobody likes to be held hostage to the whims of OPEC+ or the limitations of all-electric transportation.
If it’s a choice between making good time driving cross country pulling a trailer to efficiently deliver livestock or parts versus hooking a gooseneck to a Prius, I’ll pay the fuel bill. Only one of those options lives with me in the reality of today.
A BURGEONING TREND
However, “the electric farm” might be closer than you think. Equipment makers are rolling out real full-sized machines, infrastructure is being installed, batteries are getting better, and it might soon be possible to generate enough electricity on-farm to power your fleet without fuel. This certainly isn’t a debate about the future of ethanol or renewable biodiesel — it’s only a look at a burgeoning trend.
In March, USDA announced a $1 billion grant program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems or make energy-efficiency improvements.
As investment dollars roll out and installations go in, I plan to check the ROI on these new ideas every couple of years. In times of transition, there’s often a point between bleeding-edge and cutting-edge when early adopters prosper.
Will the electric farm emerge? Who knows. Ultimately, no matter the fuel of the future, what is certain is it won’t be a perfect transition, and it’s likely to be more expensive until it isn’t.
Clinton Griffiths is a TV newsman, turned magazine editor, with a passion for good stories. He believes the best life lessons can be found down a dirt road.
