Brad and Chery Fricke were puzzling over the logistics of supplying power to 145 acres of land they hoped to use for a rotational cattle grazing operation when help came from an unexpected source. Brad's father introduced him to Henry Rentz—a rancher, electrician and general contractor—who believes in the value of using power from the sun. Henry, currently the vice president of Installation Services for Farmergy, Inc., knew the Fricke's power needs could be supplied by a carefully designed solar system. Running electric lines any distance from the main supply is not cheap, and the Frickes were looking at an $18,000 dollar price tag to deliver power to the edge of their property.

To complicate matters, there wasn't a water source where the electricity would be delivered; a well would also need to be drilled. As an alternative, Henry proposed a solar system that would power fences, irrigation sprinklers, and two pumps drawing water from a pond in the middle of the property. The Frickes decided to use alternative energy and ended up with 12 solar panels, each with a 150-watt capacity. The panels are mounted together on a dual axis tracking system, that allows them to move and follow the sun, thereby maximizing the available solar energy. Backup batteries are charged when more electricity is produced than needed; these batteries can supply power for several days when light levels are low.

Brad is pleased with the performance of the solar panels and backup batteries, which have been running continuously without any power lapses since August 2005. The power supply is ample for the fencing demands, and the two pumps together can deliver 120 gallons of water a minute for irrigation and watering tanks. The intensive grazing system allows the Frickes to manage 400 head with room to expand and enough electricity for future needs.

The Frickes were fortunate to receive a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that helped cover some of the project costs. Many states offer similar incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy. Farms and businesses in rural locations are ideally situated to take advantage of the new technologies. Renewable energy systems can provide a reliable and environmentally friendly power alternative, and with rising fuel costs, one that makes economic sense as well.