Everybody knows Nebraska has lots of wind. In fact, our designation as having the 6th greatest potential in the US for wind has been mentioned many times. How many realize that we are also #9 in solar energy potential? In fact, Nebraska has plentiful supplies of ALL FOUR areas of renewable energy potential, biomass, wind, solar and geothermal.

When we discuss solar energy, we are talking about the discreet use of the sun's energy to transfer heat (thermal solar) into water or air OR the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity (photovoltaic or PV solar). While both using the same sunlight, they are very different.

NRES has recently partnered with two thermal solar designers and installers. They complement each other nicely as one is low tech, homespun (with 30 years experience) and the other works with commercially manufactured collectors. NRES would recommend these partners for the solar aspects of a renewable energy project that included solar inputs. The handiwork of both of these partners is being installed at the energy farm and can be seen on appointment.

PV solar, while expensive at $10/watt installed, compliments a wind system very nicely. Wind days are rarely sunny and vice versa. Seasonally, the highest sun season is the lowest wind season. Having worked with some PV solar last summer on our road show, I was impressed by the silence and complete lack of maintenance.

Passive or thermal solar is also a low maintenance item and works off of basic principles of physics like convection currents and thermal storage. It is an amazing field in itself and offers tremendous benefits to those that properly utilize these techniques. These offer tremendous opportunities to harness the suns' energy with low cost, low maintenance designs.

If you are considering solar energy as part of your renewable energy portfolio, NRES can help guide you to those who will best be able to help you.