Alternative Energy Sources

Wind turbine on farm
To learn more about USDA programs geared toward helping farmers add renewable energy to their operations, view this webinar series.

New Initiative to Help Farmers Reduce Costs with Underutilized Renewable Technologies

March 15, 2024
The new initiative will provide funds for hundreds of farmers to deploy smaller-scale wind projects, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biomass-based and other clean energy.

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Solar panels
The utility scale solar array pictured is a single axis tracking system, which is a common design for utility scale solar facilities. Single axis tracking systems face solar panels east in the morning and west in evening, following the sun across the sky through the day. (Photo by F. John Hay).

Considerations for Leasing Land for Solar Development

May 28, 2021
When considering a solar leasing contract, many factors should be considered. Landowners approached about solar leases should seek advice from an attorney and take time to thoroughly consider the contract and its implications to their farmland.

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Lincoln solar farm
Figure 1. The state’s largest solar farm – located just west of Lincoln off Interstate 80 – features 15,333 solar panels on 30 acres. Developed by the Lincoln Electric System and completed in June 2016, it generates approximately 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 900 typical homes in Lincoln. (Photo by John Hay)

Solar Land Lease: Considerations in Nebraska

January 31, 2017
Before signing a solar lease, consider how it may impact your taxes, insurance, federal agriculture programs, and other property rights such as oil and minerals. This article looks at solar leases and points to consider in Nebraska.

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