John Duyssen says he spent several years studying alternative energy, primarily considering whether to convert his farm to solar or wind.
In the end, the sun won.
"It's more consistant than wind, in my opinion," Duyssen said. "We're putting it in cattle pasture, so there's no wasted space. I don't have a 140-foot tower and cable wires to look at. And it's cool."
In all that study, and all the green agriculture classes and seminars Duyssen attended, he learned a few things about solar power.
With the help of Stein Fabrication in Le Roy, Duyssen installed specially designed platforms for the solar panels that will track the sun both on its daily and seasonal movements. The panels will absorb direct sunlight, which experts told Duyssen will increase the power production of the panels by 30 to 40 percent.
"We'll produce enough power for the farm and the house," Duyssen said. "That's our goal."
The panels and installation are being handled by Liberty Solar out of Buffalo.
The extra, lower-cost power, Duyssen said, should help him increase strawberry and honey production. Honey, he said, takes a lot of electricity for heating and refrigeration.
Asked if he wanted to share how much the solar panels are costing (some of the cost is offset by power company grants), Duyssen said, "Oh, no, because everybody will say I'm out of my mind to do this."
The 10-year break-even point could be accelerated by ongoing increases in fuel cost and/or increased production at the farm.
"Utilities just keep going up and up, gasoline, heating oil, diesel," he said. "Every little bit (of savings) helps. I've jammed the numbers and I think it's going to work."
Previously: Duyssens keep 'the family' in family farming
Best of luck -- it takes
Best of luck -- it takes someone to dare to accomplish
This is exactly the kind of
This is exactly the kind of real, practical, and entrepreneurial applications that could lead to wide-scale solar success. I hope this works even better that expected for you John, great job!