Nebraska utility tries to power irrigation with solar

In a move that could save farmers thousands of dollars each, the largest electric utility in Nebraska is investigating the use of solar energy to power center pivot irrigation systems, reports Agri-Pulse.

"The Nebraska Public Power District project is one of the first in which a major utility will explore the solar-powered irrigation option," Agri-Pulse reports. "There are more than 30,000 center pivots throughout the state, with most run by conventional electricity, propane and diesel. The project is expected to show an improvement to a farmer’s bottom line by shaving some of the costs of powering irrigation. Solar energy production peaks during summer months when irrigation is needed most, and the operator can sell the electricity back to the grid when little irrigation is needed."

The cost of the project is $70,000 for solar panels capable of generating 25 kilowatts, and another $10,000 for a meter, Agri-Pulse reports. "The solar panels are estimated to last 25 years. The pilot project is expected to reclaim its costs between 2½ and seven years. If the pilot project is successful, future projects with the federal tax credit could pay for themselves in eight to 24 years."

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