Interested in net metering? We go over what you need to know, including how net metering programs work, how they affect utility bills, and where they are available.
By Bill Hagy, VP Federal Funding,
Special to The Digest
How can one determine if an anaerobic digester will provide a value-added economic opportunity as well as an environmental solution for my livestock operation?
There are several factors to consider:
Size of the farm or ranch operation and manure type
Location of the farm or ranch operation and the off-take sources
Ownership of the digester to be constructed
Financing Sources /Incentives
Size of Farm or Ranch Livestock Operation and Manure Type
There are 8,000 large dairy and hog operations where biogas recovery systems are technically feasible. A large operation is defined as an operation with a minimum of 500 head of cattle, 2,000 hogs with anaerobic lagoons or liquid slurry manure management systems, or 5,000 hogs with deep pit manure management systems where a minimum of 90 percent of the manure is regularly collected.
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There are many people interested in solar power, and it makes good financial sense, too. If you live in the right area of the country and have a large enough home solar array, you can completely eliminate your electric bill. Think about that: $0 every month for your electricity.
Solar panels aren’t free, though. You can expect to spend about $20,000 for a home solar system, depending on the number of panels you need. Many homeowners are still able to break even in about seven to eight years despite the high cost. But unless you have a spare $20,000 lying around, you may need to consider a solar loan to get started.