Let the Sun Shine In: 4 Farms Open Doors to Highlight Renewable Energy

You’ve been wondering about that wind mill that went up down the road for a while now.  Or you’ve been curious about those solar panels on the neighbor’s barn that you watched fall into place, piece by piece.  How much did those installations cost?  How much electricity do they provide?  Could you afford to do the same?

Well, now you can get plugged in to the details of renewable energy at a farm near you - without having to peek over the fence. During the month of September, four farms around New York will open their doors to the public for a guided tour of their energy saving stategies and renewable energy systems.

Tim and Jean McCumber raise a pasture based flock of 50 Dorper sheep on their 58 acre farm.  Tim installed their 6.72 kwh grid tied solar PV electric system (with financial help from the NY Power Authority) and an evacuated tube hot water system.  The farmhouse also features a high efficiency propane furnace and radiant heat.  If you are looking for some great do-it-yourself tips, this farm tour is for you!  Tim and Jean will be available to answer any questions on how to install your own systems.  To register, contact Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu.

This year’s farm energy field days include something for everyone.  Tim and Jean at Dorpers Sheep Farm will teach a do-it-yourself solar electric and solar thermal workshop.  All the field days are free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served. For specific dates, times, and locations, see below. Please contact Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu to register.

The Farm Energy Field Day are sponsored by the Cornell Small Farms Energy Project Team and funded by  Northeast SARE (Sustainable Ag Research and Education).  To learn more about either of these organizations, visit www.smallfarms.cornell.edu or www.nesare.org