Farmers across America are discovering that they can control the impact of soaring fuel costs with cost-effective solar thermal and electrical systems.

They are slashing up to 70% of their energy cost by using solar alternatives for:

· Water and air heating for dairies

· Heating and temperature control for greenhouses

· Heating & LED lighting for meat-bird houses

· Crop drying

· Water and combustion air heating for food processing

· Remote area water pumping

· Lighting

· Electric fences

The bottom line: these farmers know that the time to move to alternative energy is now. For systems installed before 2009, a federal solar tax credit returns 30% of the first cost of a solar system to you in the first year. In addition, 85% of the balance of the cost is depreciable in five years. State incentives may also apply, including grants, low interest loans, and “renewable energy credits.”

An industry veteran, Capital Sun Group will help you find real solutions for your energy needs:

Dairy – A gallon of fuel oil will raise the temperature of 100 gallons of water from 55 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. On a dairy farm, you can heat 300 to 400 gallons of water with that gallon of fuel by combining heat recovery from cow’s milk, capturing heat from refrigeration compressors, and using solar thermal collectors. For a 200-cow operation with 3 milkings per day, a complete heat recovery and solar system would cost $30 to $35,000 installed. About $10,000 of the cost would be for the solar component that is eligible for federal tax benefits and state incentives. In addition, some energy conservation incentives may be available for the heat recovery equipment.

Greenhouse – For your greenhouses, solar collectors in combination with heat storage in the ground can provide most of your heating needs for about $8,000 (installed) in a 20x100 foot greenhouse.

Food Processing – Heating of water or air with the sun provides a hedge against fluctuating energy prices and lowers cost. Solar energy systems can also operate evaporative coolers.

Stand-by Generators – Emergency generators consume electricity day and night to stay at temperatures that allow fast start-up. Solar heating can reduce the amount of electricity needed these generators by 50% or more and paybacks can be as short as 3 to 4 years.

Electricity for Remote Applications – If you are planning to meet a need for electricity in locations more than 300 feet from a source of utility power, for small loads it can often be cheaper to install a solar power system . For larger loads where is a diesel generator may be specified, solar will cost less over time when you add the cost of the genset, the maintenance it requires and $4.00/gal fuel.

Load leveling technologies, back-up systems for critical operations, special coatings to modify heat absorbing properties of buildings, residences – Capital Sun offers a range of additional energy and water conservation services that we identify with energy assessment audits. We can also help you find a lease or lease purchase agreement, apply for grants, or obtain a loan.

Capital Sun Group is one of the most experienced solar companies in America. We will help you select the most cost-effective solar technologies for your on-farm energy needs, and be there to help you realize the savings.

www.capitalsungroup.com (301) 229-0671 office, 6105 81^st St., Cabin John, MD 20818

Save Money on our travel costs, and receive additional equipment discounts by cooperating with your neighbors, customers, and suppliers. Discounts are also available on installation charges if you provide some or all of the labor. Do-it-yourself kits are also available.

You can find some validating information at: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/up-with-the-sun-solar-energy-and-agriculture.html.