Missouri Farmers Drop the Gas Pumps and Turn to Solar

A small group of Southeast Missouri farmers have broken with tradition and have stopped using gas pumps to irrigate their farms. They've rigged up solar panels on trailers to power their irrigation systems instead. Space isn't a problem out on the farm and the panels can be placed anywhere for continued use after their irrigation job is done.

The farmer featured in the article, John Lorberg, said he uses his three solar-trailer rigs for about two months to irrigate his farm. He also has panels on the roof of his home. 

"So I've got these three trailers I use to pump water two months out of the year, do I want to let them sit in the shed? No," he said. "Even on a cloudy day, you'll be generating power."

The group of farmers will benefit from rebates and tax credits to the tune of only paying $4,700 for a $25,000 solar panel system that produces 1,000 kilowatts per month. Out on the farm there's no worries about zoning and getting permits and that has peaked the interest of other local farmers.

You know solar power is becoming mainstream when Ma and Pa Kettle are using panels down on the farm!

More details at the Southeast Missourian.