NORWALK, Ohio — More and more farms are plugging into the sun to meet their energy needs.
Farmers can learn about the benefits of solar energy systems from other farmers as well as industry and university experts April 21at a program organized by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
The free program, which runs from noon to 1:30 p.m., will be held at the Huron County office of Ohio State University Extension, 180 Milan Ave., Suite 1, in Norwalk. Lunch will be provided. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.
“More than 100 Ohio farms have installed on-site photovoltaic solar systems to generate their own electricity,” said Eric Romich, a field specialist in energy development and leader of OSU Extension’s Energize Ohio signature program.
“Thanks to technology improvements, costs going down and incentive programs, solar systems connected to the grid are more attractive and practical than ever to help farmers reduce their electricity demands and reduce the volatility of future energy costs.”
Speakers include:
–Romich, who will talk about net metering laws in Ohio.
–Jess Ennis of ecojiva Solar, a Midwest company with experience in farm-based solar systems.
–Randy Monhemius, who will speak about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America’s (REAP) grant program.
–Representatives from Enterprise Hill and Ruggles farms, two Huron County operations that have solar energy systems operating on-site.
For more information about this program, contact Romich at romich.2@osu.edu or 419-310-8147.