On an episode of the “Bovine Banter” podcast hosted by Penn State Extension, Josh Brubaker shared how he and his family have implemented the use of alternative energy sources such as a manure digester and solar panels on their farm in Lancaster County, Pa.
“We have four different solar systems, all on rooftops, and we have a methane digester from 2007,” Brubaker said.
These investments help propel the dairy, poultry, and crop operations on the farm, Brubaker said, either directly or through grid-earned revenue.
“The dairy markets go up and down, so it’s great to be able to save on electricity with the help of solar panels or to sell energy back to the grid,” he continued. “We’re also surrounded by neighbors, and the digester helps to reduce odor, too.”
He further noted that, while there is additional farm maintenance that needs to be done on any alternative energy source, the equipment ultimately gives back to the operation, outweighing time or money spent on the equipment itself.
For instance, several receiving pits with manure pumps on the farm demand extra energy from workers. But by nature of its ability to generate a consistent amount of energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (far longer than laborers need to tend to it), the digester has proven itself to be a worthy investment.
Solar panels sit on barn roofs and do not take up precious space the way pits do. However, they only generate energy when the sun is shining.
“We figure on a 30-year lifespan, but it might keep going for longer,” Brubaker said. “They generate 500 kilowatts an hour, which is 200 more kilowatts an hour than the digester, but only when the sun shines.”
Energy from solar panels and the digester is partly used on the farm — by way of lighting houses and barns and powering the digester — and partly sold back to the grid, revenue that also goes back into the farm. It’s a win-win-win.
“The digester could produce energy for the entire farm. But we choose to sell some back in order to invest in indirect growth. Overall, we definitely see savings,” said Brubaker.
What to consider
If you’re thinking about joining the Brubaker family farm on their journey of alternative energy, he advised to consider a few things before making the jump.
“We felt adding alternative energy to our farm fit into our mission of what we are trying to accomplish,” he began. “Make sure that’s the case for you and your team before investing in a big change.
“Also, make sure you have someone ready to commit to seeing the project to completion and beyond, whether it’s an inside team member or an outside employee. Alternative energy requires a commitment to getting the equipment running and staying with it,” he continued.
Then, if you’re looking into digesters or solar specifically, “Do your research on your barns to ensure they’re set up correctly for manure flow. And see that you have new enough roofs for solar. You can put panels on farmland, but that can be a waste of space.”
Lastly, run the numbers.
“Make sure it’s financially acceptable for your operation expectations and needs,” Brubaker said.
Welcoming alternative energy sources to your farm could contribute to optimal goals and growth. Conduct individualized research on how it can add value to your already established operation.
