Farmers and ranchers may be eligible for a number of financing programs. Here are a few that can help you pay for investments that will yield energy savings for years to come:

Cash-back incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon and Oregon Business Energy Tax Credits help cover costs and reduce payback periods on many measures.

Your improvements may qualify for the Oregon Energy Loan Program offered by the Oregon Department of Energy.

See if your energy project is eligible for 2007 Farm Bill or U.S. Department of Agriculture grant money.

Investigate state and federal programs that assist growers with on-farm projects, as well as with larger efforts that could involve creation of processing facilities for alternative fuels or other specialty products.

Look into Value-added Producer Grants, which can be used for planning activities, working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy.

Typical measures and what you can save*

• Consider high-efficiency motors and variable-frequency drives in farm buildings.
  Premium-efficiency motors exceed EPA efficiency standards and are used for air circulation, exhaust fans and pumps. They run cooler, last longer and are more reliable. In certain applications, you can save even more energy by installing variable-frequency drives to match energy use to actual demand.
  
  It is rarely worthwhile to replace a functioning motor. But when installing new equipment or replacing malfunctioning motors, investing in premium efficiency helps you recover your investment in energy savings in a matter of months. Qualified installations can receive an incentive from >Energy Trust of Oregon.



• Install high-efficiency lights in farm buildings and outdoor lighted areas.
  High-intensity discharge lamps can be used in both high-ceiling indoor spaces and outdoors for arenas, parking lots and more. High-bay fluorescent T8 or T5HO lights may also be a good choice.
  
  High-efficiency lighting savings can range from 15 to 40 percent and provide more light at lower wattage levels. Save more by installing occupancy sensors to control lights in outdoor and indoor spaces that are only occasionally occupied. Learn more about Lighting.
  
  
• Install energy efficient ventilation equipment.
  Install a ventilation controller as a low-cost, low-energy alternative to ventilate livestock buildings. Learn more about Heating & Cooling.
  
  
• Choose ENERGY STAR® equipment.
  Upgrade to more energy efficient equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for heating/cooling equipment and office electronics. Learn more about Office Electronics.



• Consider renewable energy resources.
  There is significant potential for agricultural involvement in the production and consumption of solar, wind and biomass energy.


     Solar

Solar electric energy systems, or photovoltaics, can supply power for many remote agricultural applications, including pumping and electric fencing. A feasibility study showed a solar PV system to be cheaper over its lifetime than running a power line to the well or installing a generator.

Heating water and cooling milk can account for up to 40 percent of the energy used on a dairy farm, according to a 2006 report in Choices magazine. Solar water heating systems may be used to supply all or part of these hot water requirements.

Find out about solar electric and solar water heating from >Energy Trust’s solar programs.

Other solar applications include greenhouse heating and solar crop drying.





     Wind

Make your own energy by installing a wind turbine to generate electricity. Energy Trust’s small wind program has more information about putting the wind to work on your property.


     Biomass

Investigate manure-to-energy digester technology. Capturing and burning methane to produce electricity reduces its negative environmental impact while providing a reliable source of renewable energy. Other wastes such as whey from cheese production can also be used. Find out more from >Energy Trust’s BioPower program.

Learn more
Find more energy-saving ideas for agriculture in these sections:

• Simple Fixes

*Your actual results will vary based on energy use and energy efficiency measures.