Solar PV Coming to Tapped

Our maple syrup production is soon to be solar powered! We signed the contract today with North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative to install our solar panels this summer. The energy generated by the 4.13 kilowatt system should provide the equivalent of all of the electricity consumed during maple syrup production (primarily to run lights, fans, pumps, and reverse osmosis), and about 60% of our overall farm electric needs. Given that our other major energy requirements for cooking are provided by wood, I estimate that we'll be near 90% renewable energy. Now to work on the remaining energy sources of propane and natural gas (heating for finishing and infusing syrup), gasoline (primarily chainsaw and pump operation), and diesel (tractor).