OUR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Renewable energy system at the Apple Pond Farm (NY)

To lighten their footprint on this beautiful, living planet, Dick and Sonja have installed several different renewable energy systems. These systems produce approximately 95% of the farm's electricity, lighting, and heating; more than 40 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are saved each year through these systems. By producing their own renewable energy and following several no-cost and low-cost energy saving practices, they also avoid borrowing from past reserves or future needs for energy. Here are some of the renewable energy and green building practices at the farm. Click for renewable energy pictures.

A 10kw photovoltaic (PV) array and a 10kw wind turbine, connected to the electric grid, generate electricity onsite. When the onsite electricity production is greater than the onsite demand, the excess electricity is sent onto the electric grid. Over the course of the year, the turbine and PV array supply about 1.5 times the electricity needed by an average American home.

Our round straw bale house

A rooftop array of solar thermal tubes provides hot water and preheats the water in the radiant floor space heating system. This system “preheats” the hot water up to 150 F, saving wood that would otherwise be required to heat the home and water

A two-story round straw bale house serves as an educational center and residence for farm apprentices. Using organic, locally grown products, including the highly effective insulative value of straw, this attractive building cost less than $10,000 to build.

Experimentation with burning used vegetable oil and other biofuels for space heating is currently underway.

Solar panels on roof of our garage

We have invested in these renewable energy systems for the following reasons:

Renewable energy reduces our dependence on non-renewable greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuel.

These systems further the educational mission of Apple Pond Farm. We offer workshops on renewable energy on the second Saturday of every month, March through December.

We are decentralizing electricity generation. This strengthens the local electric grid, making blackouts less likely. Combined with conservation efforts such as using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), Energy Star appliances, living in well insulated buildings and minimizing consumption wherever possible, we have started on the path to more sustainable living.