December 29, 2006

US to have first solar power poultry house in 2007

A first-of-its-kind solar-powered poultry house would begin operations in Delaware, US in the New Year.

The house is part of a research project to evaluate the use of solar power as an economical source of energy for poultry houses.

The project is aimed at making the poultry industry stay competitive. It would also reduce the producers' dependence on foreign oil, noted Michael Scuse, Delaware secretary of agriculture.

Increasing electricity prices have adversely affected the highly energy-dependent poultry industry. Chickens have to be kept at controlled temperatures with appropriate ventilation.

The trial of the solar powered poultry house would determine, over three years of comprehensive monitoring, whether solar power could be used as a viable alternative for the poultry industry.

The project is a partnership between Allen Family Foods, WorldWater & Power and GE Energy. Other contributing partners are the University of Delaware, the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The pilot project will be operational in the Q1 of 2007, which is remarkable considering that the project partnership was forged less than six months ago. The pilot photovoltaic system, designed to evaluate a variety of use options and generate extensive research data, would cost approximately US$ 500,000 but has been offered at a rebate of US$ 250,000 from the Delaware Green Energy Programme.

Solar-powered systems are also eligible for state and federal tax credits.