Alberta farm uses solar energy to power irrigation pivots

Merlinds Farm, south of Grassy Lake, is one of the first farms to install a solar-powered irrigation system in Alberta. The two solar systems are installed on opposite sides of the farm. They produce around 137 kilowatts of electricity, both running section-wide pivots with a 125- and 75-horsepower pump to irrigate crops like seed canola, dry beans, lentils and durum. Other farmers in the area have also taken an interest in the new technology, often stopping by to ask questions. Currently, the brothers are considering adding more solar panels to their operation, and while they may be one of the […]

By Editorial Team July 23, 20170

Merlinds Farm, south of Grassy Lake, is one of the first farms to install a solar-powered irrigation system in Alberta.

The two solar systems are installed on opposite sides of the farm. They produce around 137 kilowatts of electricity, both running section-wide pivots with a 125- and 75-horsepower pump to irrigate crops like seed canola, dry beans, lentils and durum.

Other farmers in the area have also taken an interest in the new technology, often stopping by to ask questions.

Currently, the brothers are considering adding more solar panels to their operation, and while they may be one of the first, they say they certainly won’t be the last.

Editorial Team

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