Green Energy

Renewable Energy Choices
for the farm and greenhouse

Renewable energy is an important option for farmers. Wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal are all viable choices. The links on the left sidebar are intended to provide an overview of the process of adding green energy to your farming or greenhouse operation.

For a general overview of the places for various types and scales of renewable energy on a farm, we recommend Don Campbell's article Renewable Energy on the Farm: Are You Ready?

NEW! This In spring 2008, UMass extension began a project that will focus on using locally grown shelled corn as an alternative fuel to heat greenhouses. Corn is a renewable heat source that can be grown and used in Massachusetts more cheaply than fossil fuels, can provide an important rotation crop for vegetable farms, and can be an alternative revenue stream for dairy farmers. For more information...

NEW! MASSACHUSETTS FARM ENERGY PROGRAM: $400,000 in federal and state funding will soon help Massachusetts farmers with energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts. For more information...

The Renewable Energy pages were developed by the UMass Extension Floriculture and Vegetable Programs and designed by Martha Powers, UMass, with support from the 2006 Renewable Energy Twilight Series.  2006 Twilight Series Program Flyer