Solar on the Barn Roof & Feeding Simplified
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- Опубліковано 6 гру 2023
- Twilight Renewables Website: www.twilightrenewables.com/
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10thgenerationdairyman.com/
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Thank You!
This seems like a pretty ideal application for solar with a large continuous area that isn’t obstructed by trees or taking up good land. I bet it will keep the barn cooler in the summer too, since the sun’s energy will get turned into electricity instead of just heating up the building.
I love how much you guys still experiment on your farm, alot of farmers are stuck in theirs ways because it works not realizing yes it works but it probably could work even better. You guys have a open mind for new things and it's awesome to see it work out when you try new things on the farm!
This right here is the exact reason I enjoy this channel so much more than others. They try new things to better the business and life for the cows. Some of them work out and some don’t. We get to see the results whether it’s good or bad. And we get honest reviews.
No reason to feel bad about it. You and your dad made a good decision for your farm and I hope it works well for you guys.
If people have a problem with solar tax credits they should complain about their politicians, it's not the farmer that's giving your money away!
@@jaycweingardt11
☝️☝️
Clueless to
DFA-Milk in
Washington DC.
They work very hard
to take our money. 😏
Good for the farm, good for the environment. Win, win.
Except when they go back in the ground
@@dirtracer1275just like most thing was use so what’s the difference. Are you a completely plastic free person if not you sound stupid right now
I’m just glad to see them on a roof where they should be and not in good farm land
Not good for the tax payer, but why would you care?
@@Forevertrue I believe they are taxpayers also
Outstanding video. I was waiting for you to report on the solar panel project. I totally agree that if it is a benefit to managing your farm then by all means use any subsidies or tax credits that you can get. Wise decision to buy feed mix as well. You are a positive, hard working and wise young farmer. God bless you and your family. Keep the videos coming. Many of us wait for them. FIVE STAR VIDEO
Thanks for your informative review of your new solar installation. It really does look good on your barn roof. And I think it will be so much less maintenance than a ground level solar install. I applaud your families willingness to invest in new technology for the next generation. Number (11) 😊 As always your cows look very contented, and clean! As a retired dairy farmer I sincerely appreciate you making and sharing your first class dairy operation with all of us subscribers .
Have a blessed weekend with your family!
Very wise young man,..your parents raised you great ! They must be very proud of you! I am impressed…..nice to see a good young man
The solar installation was a great investment if it has a short 4 year payoff. Great farm operation.
10 years of negative electricity bills - has worked for us. Blessings!
As usual, clear and cogent explanations.
Eric, I really enjoy hearing about all the things you do to improve the farm. Projects whether large or small, you’re always looking for improvements especially for the cows. I not a farmer but being from Wisconsin I’ve always loved dairy farms. I live vicariously through you and Tom Pemberton. Thanks for sharing and letting us in.
I agree, solar and the way you implemented it makes sense for your farm.
I live in the Phoenix, AZ area and I've been working on the idea of a 32 panel 535w bifacial system (17 KW) with batteries for the house. We use a ton of electric to cool the house during the summer. I just saw your roof with 10 times as many panels and I am so jealous but with a big ole grin on my face. Nice job, Eric and Twilight.
Good luck with your solar in Arizona. I am here, too, but I rent at this time. I'm surprised solar is financially feasible for a dairy farm of that size in Pennsylvania and hopefully it is tantalizing for many other similar sized farms.
@@RiDankulous Its the batteries that kills you on solar. Most Residential install are $25k to $30 k and 2/3 is the battery. Payback is 25 to 30 years so really no cost saving because you have to do new batteries every few years. Powering a home and just feeding it into the grid might make it a wash each year. But if you want o have back up power then you need battery storage.
@@johnunsicker7440 Ah!
really enjoying the discussion of the business side of the operation in the last two videos
I really enjoyed hearing about the financial ins and outs of the solar and the mineral. Helps understand how ag at scale differs from my 20 sheep and 1 cow farm haha.
Here in Germany we have extrem high prices for energy, so every farmer made his roof full with pannels since 2010.
With the feed change I'd be interested in you circling back with production changes, butterfat. I don't think that we need the EXCEL spreadsheet version, but rather your general feeling as a herd manager.
Continuous improvement is the rule rather than the exception. If you don't improve you'll be made redundant. And...
Those solar panels and the power generated put you leaps and bounds ahead of those farms who do not have solar infrastructure.
Even ten years ago the solar cells on barn roofs in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany were pervasive. I think that you have to do it to survive. Bravo!
We inherited a solar system on the house I bought and haven't paid an electric bill in 3 years. We're renting the panels but hopefully when we finish this contract I would like to buy the panels outright. You are always making improvements for the betterment of the farm and the cows. You are very interesting to listen to, and knowledgeable about what improvements you want to make on the farm. Stay safe.
Eric, so good to see you. Your energy level is always positive that it is part of the attraction to your videos. Like the Tab hoodie you were wearing , couldn't help but notice you had a nice mustash started, then you shaved it off. 😮 Great news on the solar system that was installed. I hope things go well. Love your show . Tom in Minneapolis
There;s a farm near here (orig. dairy, now some beef) which has had a solar set up for a decade. It has rooftop and freestanding panels in the enclosure for their turkey raising operation. They get pretty much all their power from it.
Oil companies have been getting subsidies since the invention of the gas engine. I'd much rather see farmers get tax Credits for solar. Plus, you're helping the environment. Good for you guys!
The best thing about the panels is that they are maintenance-free
If one could consider having to keep them clean as zero maintenance. I know I would enjoy spending all day washing my roof when there's already a hundred other things that require maintenance.
@@joelmurphy7980wtf are you talking about. Lay off the meth. No one with solar panels has to clean them daily
@@joelmurphy7980 6 years and I have never maintained my solar system, they are producing just fine. People that clean their panels are wasting time and money.
@@joelmurphy7980 Rain and snow keep them clean
Amazing setup. Many advantages of solar and the added shade on the roof. I wish all of the conspiracy theories about the government would go away. Nothing wrong with taking tax credits. I think you will find it a very good investment. The solar panels also help keep the power companies from having to build new plants which would increase the cost of electricity. You always do a great job of explaining any new ideas that you have put to work on your farm. Thanks for another great Eric produced video.
Panels on roofs like that just make sense. Honestly even if its a 10 year investment imo.
Panels on roofs are fine. 100ac open fields that are lined with solar panels is a waste of ground and has major effects on the environment.
Yes cause the government is perfect, and cares about each and everyone of us. They have our best interests in mind.
Good governance gives credits and benefits to the development they want, and tax/burden development they do not want for society.
Helps people make longterm investments too, that would be expensive otherwise. Thats why i love good programs like this.
In my country of Norway goverment even assist with people insulating their homes more etc (Three layer windows etc) and heat pumps for more efficient heating.
This is a longerterm investment, but it will pay itself off. And if you are lucky it will pay itself many times over. Does not look like energy is getting any cheaper thats for sure. Only looks to be more scarce and expensive in the future. As we will need enourmous amounts of clean energy with the green transition.
So i expect energy to get quite alot more expensive when we dont just pump it cheap out of the ground.
@@P4p4Smurf like capitalism, big business, always looking out for the consumer, lol
If you ask them to make the mix less dusty they could probably accommodate you. Here most premixes are store in silo
I love the details you give about the farm.
Amazing….you are doing great planning!
I have been watching your content for a few years now and you've come along way on the farm improvements. Keep up the good work and don't feel guilty about taking the government kick backs or grant money or any other advantages they offer. As you implied, they're going to take from you every chance they get and waste the money anyway. It's better for you to get the use of your money than to let them waste it on nonsense stuff that will never benefit the American farmer.
Intelligent and balanced discussion on your solar panels
Thank you for approaching a delicate, subject..Facts, not opinions or thoughts…No emotional attachment just this is why for this instance…Bet it opens some eyes the potential a roof can make in 10 years vs just being a cost to the operation…Kudos sir
We added a very small amount of molasses to our mineral pre mix for our milk cows to reduce the amount of dust created when it was dumped into our feed wagon. Your nutritionist should be able to set that up for you at the mill where you purchase it from.
I already had a conversation with my nutritionist about it today. Thanks
Attaboy. There are a whole lot of people that need to hear this.
Wonderful way to bring peace w creation/environment as well
That's a great looking system! When you see the efficiency dip due to soiling, let us know. We are local to your area and do robotic solar cleaning for a lot of farmers here. We would love to work with you!
Good to know, thanks
I have installed just for 7 kwt for my house, but yours is 😮😮😮.. Great that you supporting green economy. ❤
He not supporting your green economy He is just taking advantage of it
It’s good to have solar panels to run in barns and good ideal keeping the panels up on roof . No since in waiting space on ground. Good job Eric.
Great Video!
We also have solar on our barn roof.
I don't think solar in fields is a good idea either. Also expensive because of the extra infrastrucutre and concrete in the ground and stuff.
And it would be a shame for the fertile land.
Hallo Eric, your solar system makes a great impression. I also think that's the way to go.👍👍👍👍👍
How exciting!!!!!
I live in Illinois and we are going solar in the spring.... I guess Illinois has the highest electric rate in the US... We gotta do something.... Please keep us posted on your journey....God bless ❤❤🙏
Merry Christmas to you and family , and a blessed new year !! Keep up your great work you do for your family and community !
Thanks for your weekly videos ! Bye from Italy 🇮🇪
Thanks for showing us about your solar I have been curious about it. I haven't ever seen the results on a industrial scale yall are doing such a good job with the farm.
All energy is subsidized in some way. But distributed solar is good for a lot of reasons including that it defrays big investments power companies would otherwise would have to make in power plants, etc.
Great video and a great detailed explanation of the solar installation. I didn't realise it was so big and I can also see scope for expansion of the system if the cost/benefits are right. More panels, Battery storage, tie in to your homes etc.
We installed the exact same setup as you guys several years ago, it's been working good and haven't had any issues yet.
Excellent video - great content and presentation. I always admire hard working families! Take care....
Thank u for the update on the solar panels. It was very informative
Sounds like you have a good grasp of the solar power, how it helps financially and what a person can do with it. Must be some real advantages, given a three year payback. Thanks for the info, have a nice Friday and weekend!
a good point. integrated connected system from different types of sources.
Great stuff Eric its good to see you moving your operation in a positive direction 😊😊. Happy holidays to you and your family. ❤❤❤😊😊😊
Very informative about the solar. Good to hear these details.
solar isnt perfect for everyone, but in your case it may work out in the long term. as you continue to expand look into battery backup, even for your house. god bless you keep doin what youre doin!
Thanks so much for the update on solar panels.
You all are doing a good job on the farm the solar panels look amazing
Great video Eric... The solar looks good You look good the farm looks amazing. I think y'all will love the solar. thank you so much Eric. Hope you and all of your family has a wonderful Christmas and and great News Year. thank you
Thanks for the update on the solar.
Great video and interesting you talking about the Solar. Having a scale on the mixer sure takes the guessing away from you mixing the load. come up with something to stop losing
your mix from the dust getting blown away.
Hope your family has a great Christmas day and happy New Year also
Solar panels are free electricity for many years to come, and a very good idea. Even with a payback time of 10 years it will be a good investment for your property. It's easy to supply a battery pack on the property in case of a power failure, so you can be completely off grid if need be, and still be able to run the milking parlor, fans, lights and whatnot, not to speek of your homes. Someday in the future, you may find that an electric tractor or car is of interest, as you can run them without any cost, and only a limited maintenance cost per year. Food for thought, isn't it? Good luck with the investment.
Your cows always seem so happy and content. Nice to see that! ❤(R)
Lots of good improvements! Eric, don't worry about taking advantage of what's available from our government. Yall work hard and deserve it way more than some others.
*from the people
Hi, Eric! Great to see the Solar PV come up in a dedicated video of yours! I'm in my final year of a Master's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering and have wondered if/when you'd install some renewables on your farm - I even thought about asking if you'd be interested in me running some solar PV simulations for you, as I was doing that last year for uni work. I'd be interested in buying some merch but I'd have to figure out how to get it delivered to the UK.
Anything that helps a farm stay competitive is a plus. Technology takes a while to develop. 50 years ago solar was just in its infancy in 50 years it’s no telling where it will be. We went from a first flight to a trip to the moon in less a hundred years.
Thanks for posting this video, as I was curious how much this would benefit the farm, would be interesting next summer to compare your electric bill.
It is a good idea to put up a suitable silo to hold the mixed additives for the herd. Easier to fill the hopper by just parking under it and pull a lever, and easy to get it delivered by punping it into the silo, like chicken feed or other livestock products. We have a farm near us where they use silos to store food and feed additives for the cows and calves, and there is little or no need for a skid steer anymore.
It's nice to see a solar implementation success story which was helped along with government tax credits. Regulations working well for a change. At least in this case.
Great report, Merry Christmas
I'm in the same boat on solar. The numbers finally worked for us this year.
I think you'll always lose a little feed to dust, but I think that will be made up by improved milk production. Also, I love you solar set up, looks legit!
Wow, you guys ARE the future! The whole roof system is something that will be one heck of an investment!
Good luck. Your optimistic
So amazing thanks for another awesome informative video
Another informative video 10gen
Enjoyed it
Great that you install sun panels, we have them to for our house hold, not that many as you have but anyway.😃👍
We are getting solar on our poultry houses in January
Having them in Oklahoma sized to cover March-April heating usage it been net zero for 8-9 months a year but also helps shave the peak well too.
We purchased our small farm with a ground solar array already present. It is only 46 panels @ 250W per, but it pretty much covers our electrical costs when factored over a year. Your points on cost and ROI are valid today for sure. I do wonder what will happen to the industry though once the credits go away, which they most certainly will at some point. Will it be sustainable? I have my doubts. It will take a leap in tech or manufacturing or materials to compensate for the tax credits.
Good information, thanks for sharing it.
That's a lot of solar panels! Grid tie is a good way to go if you have room for a lot of panels.
you can get Electric equipment and charge them from solar power, you can cut cost on fuel as well
have a great Christmas brother you and your family from the imperial county California 👍👍🇺🇲
It is the inverts which will stop working or become so inefficient that you need to switch them. And they are the expensive parts of the setup.
Y'all have enough (strong) roof's to support the additional weight of the panels. You took it as a business decision, not a political one. I agree 100% that solar should NOT be taking up cropland, but roof top solar makes good sense. Well thought out decision, and I hope you get a good return for your over production in the summer. Most power co's are reluctant to even pay the wholesale value for the energy returned to the grid. Great video, and great explanation!👍
thank you
Nice shot starting at 8:20!
Another Great Video 👍 Great content, keep up the great work!
Sounds like a good development for you. If there is $$ on offer, you go for them.
Good for you, taking the leap. 👍
Hi Eric and dad awesome video always how’s your taking care 🐄 making sure they’re healthy love solar panels and as always you and you’re families be safe and dad’s families 🇺🇸🇺🇸
As someone else mentioned, the next step is to look into aneribic digesters to produce methane from manure which can then be put in a pipeline or burned on site to make electricity. I don’t know what the cost / payback for that is, but it’s something to consider one day.
Installed solar for many years only thing have to worry about is a hail storm good idea to update your insurance to cover the system.
great video!
Lucky to be able to run the meters backwards. Here they put in smart meters so you pay 35c/kwh for your usage, but any excess solar you export you get just 9c/kwh, so it really does not make a lot of sense to export
Merry christmas Eric and your family
I hope you don't have hail storms in your area.
Amazing system
Las Vegas NV USA 🇺🇸
4 year payback is amazing. Great investment in your farm.
If it saves you time and money, it's something we're all looking for, grab the brass ring.
If your payback is 4 years, then this was an amazing investment...the only issue is that Pennsylvania is really at the edge of where it's sensible to install solar panels, but the most interesting comment you made is that for power balance your grid provider was willing to "kick-in" some money. This shows that this was a very timely and appropriate investment. For those who believe in solar as a real resource, it should only be installed in the south, but tax credits distort that a little bit. Good luck, love your video
Do you have to insure the panels for storm damage?
Pennsylvania is also one of the best places to put up renewable energy production. The state has laws that require the power company to buy back the power and will write you a check for the difference. Someplace like North Carolina give a credit to the bill that expires in May or June. It is almost a no brainier if you have the money to put up some type of renewable in PA
I’m sure it will work. Will be interesting to fallow