Strawbale Farms Blog Posts

Why We Believe Solar Electricity Should Be Obtainable to Everyone

Posted August 27, 2019 by Strawbale Farms & filed under Solar Electric.

Solar electricity is one of the most affordable, sustainable options in energy out there and here at Strawbale Farms, we believe it should be obtainable to everyone. That is why we offer simple & affordable, ready-to-install (RTI) solar energy systems in order to meet the needs of as many area residents as possible. And, as the experts in solar electricity for Eau Claire and the surrounding areas, we would like to tell you more about these systems and how they make alternative energy easy and attainable.

Here at Strawbale Farms, we want you to unlock true energy independence and savings with a solar electricity system. Some of their benefits include:

Increased Property Resale Value, Approximately Three Dollars Per Installed Watt
Energy Independence for Life
5K W Systems and Stall and Only 3 to 5 Hours
Maintenance-Free Operation
Faster Paybacks 2 to 4 Year Average
Easy to Install
Thirty-Year Performance Warranty
High 98.5% Efficiency Systems
Eligible for 30% federal tax rebate! Also May Be Eligible For Other Rebates through your Utility
Excellent Financing Packages

And, Next Energy Solution’s systems offer performance that exceeds typical industry standards. That is how NES is able to provide the latest technologies and advancements that often take years to become mainstream.

Looking for a better energy solution for your farm? A Next Energy Solution Solar Energy System from Strawbale Farms can help you control your agricultural electrical costs today and long into the future.

Our job is to make solar simple for everyone by working with you, our customer, from start to finish. We can even do the paperwork for your power company to get you up and running fast. Whatever your solar energy needs may be, we will work with you to find a solution and make it easy. Dave Jacoby from Strawbale Farms will come directly to your property to take a look at your home, farm or business and help determine what solar electric products will work best for you. We offer a variety of solar panel specifications, battery specifications and inverter specifications to suit your specific location.

So why keep paying the utility company when you could be paying yourself by generating your own electricity? Allow us to get you on the path to energy independence and efficiency in no time! To learn more about solar electricity for your Eau Claire farm, home or business, call Strawbale Farms at (715) 214-6683 or Contact Us.

Getting the Right Parts for Your Outdoor Wood Boiler

Posted July 18, 2019 by Strawbale Farms & filed under Outdoor Boilers.

As you’ve likely already discovered, an outdoor wood boiler is a fantastic choice in heating. Unlike systems that rely on fossil fuels, wood is a totally renewable resource that offers affordability and off-the-grid operation. When compared to heating with propane or oil, burning wood in a highly efficient wood boiler from Strawbale Farms can reduce your heating costs greatly. And, these aren’t the wood boilers of yester-year; wood boilers have come a long way over the years and offer unmatched safety and dependability. But even the most dependable and durable of systems can require maintenance and/or replacement parts from time to time. Don’t get your boiler parts from just anywhere; ensure you are getting them from a trusted, respected company like Strawbale Farms. Here are Strawbale Farms, we not only offer the best in wood boilers, but the best in boiler parts in Minnesota as well.

As the area experts in outdoor wood boilers, our number one priority is ensuring you get the renewable energy you need and that your wood boiler is functioning like it should. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the wood boiler parts we carry in order to better help you keep your beloved boiler up and running. Some of the boiler parts we carry include:

Chimneys
Controls
Digital aquastats
Replacement blowers
Filters
Door gaskets
E-Z Flex
Isolation flanges
Circulators
And more

And, did you know that all outdoor wood boiler manufactures require a yearly water sample to comply with warranty requirements? Protect your investment and your warranty with Portage & Main brand boiler treatment. Just contact us and we can walk you through the process.

Not seeing what you’ve looking for? Chances are the professionals at Strawbale Farms can help! If you are having issues with your wood boiler and need replacement parts, give us a call and we can help you find the parts you need.

And, these are just some of the projects we carry to help support the needs of your outdoor wood boiler. If you would like more information about boiler parts for your Minnesota home or business’ outdoor wood boiler, please call Strawbale Farms at 715-214-6683 or Contact Us today! We would love to speak with you and help you find the right product for your needs.

Why Summer is a Great Time of Year for Wood Boiler Installation

Posted June 17, 2019 by Strawbale Farms & filed under Wood Boilers.

As you are aware, wood boilers offer many wonderful benefits. As propane, electric and oil prices continue to rise, wood boilers offer a renewable alternative; wood. The desire to go off-grid or partially off-grid and provide the home with energy efficient heating is ever-growing. As many of us choose to leave the suburbs and create a homestead closer to nature, the need for a more independent heating source continues to grow. So, if you are someone looking to join the club and get in on this better way to heat the home; now is the time to do so! Summer is a fantastic time to get your wood boiler installation underway! As the trusted providers of wood boilers for Green Bay and the surrounding areas, we would like to tell you more about them and why now is a great time to install.

Summer is a great time of year to enjoy warm weather but it’s also a great time to install a new heat source to have it ready before cooler weather returns. The summer offers a great time for installation because the ground is softer and any necessary digging is much easier. Pipes can easily be buried underground when the soil is softer in summer.

Wood boilers can even be of good use throughout the rest of the summer! Most well water and city water comes out of the ground at around 52 degrees, even in the summer. Your hot water tank must heat that water from 52 degrees to 110 degrees using lots of fuel like electricity or propane, etc. But if you have a water boiler, your boiler will heat that water for free! Even if you heat your domestic water with your furnace, your hot water heater will use less fuel if you have a wood boiler assisting in the heating process.

So, this summer, complete your homestead with a wood boiler and have it up and running before autumn! Having heat during the winter months is not an option but a requirement for obvious reasons and the warmth of wood boilers is a natural fit for off-grid heat. Wood is inexpensive, readily available, and a green, renewable fuel. Wood boilers make some of the best options in home heating since they are highly efficient, clean burning, safe and convenient to use!

Are you interested in learning more about wood boilers for your Green Bay area home or business? Call Strawbale Farms at (715) 214-6683 or Contact Us to learn more.

How Solar Electric Benefits Commercial & Agricultural Properties

Posted May 15, 2019 by Strawbale Farms & filed under Solar Electric.

Everyone knows the many benefits of solar electric for their homes. But what are the benefits when it comes to commercial businesses and the agricultural industry? At Strawbale Farms, we are well-versed in assisting a variety of clients seeking renewable, affordable energy and that includes everything from private homes to farms. Simply put, we are the experts in solar electric for Minnesota.

At Strawbale Farms, we understand firsthand the challenges commercial and agricultural sectors face from uncertain markets to unpredictable weather. A Next Energy Solution Solar Energy System from Strawbale Farms can help you control electric costs today and well into the future. In fact, our systems are designed to perform year after year and come with a 30-year performance warranty.

Typically, for both commercial and agricultural properties, the bulk of the electrical usage occurs during the daytime when solar energy is producing the most power. This can offset your usage from the traditional electrical grid resulting in a lower electrical cost to you.

A solar electric system is also a great way to ensure your business’ future and the environment’s future by providing you with dependable, low maintenance, renewable energy. And, by controlling costs long term you will be able to hedge against unforeseen expenses, plan ahead and increased stability and security.

From dairy farms to car washes to office buildings, solar electric can help your business or your facility be seen as a leader in the green energy movement. A solar electric system can increase the resale value of your property by about $15,000 for every 5KW in system size and solar electric systems are not taxable on your property taxes. Current tax incentives give you a great return on investment for your business!

And, Next Energy Solution can supply all necessary components and also install and wire the rails and panels. You, the customer, can then hire a local electrician to mount and wire the inverter and disconnects. Many people, especially commercial businesses or farm customers, have electricians they work with already, so this can also be a real money saver.

So, whether your electric load is big or small we will work to help you achieve your energy goals! Discover true energy independence and savings with a solar electric system from Strawbale Farms/ Next Energy Solution.

Join the clean/green energy movement today and get your business started on the path towards increased stability with solar electric from Strawbale Farms. For more information or for a free estimate on a solar electric system in Minnesota, call Dave Jacoby with Strawbale Farms at 715-214-6683 or email heatsmart@ymail.com.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit and Other Financial Benefits of Going Solar in 2019

Posted April 15, 2019 by Strawbale Farms & filed under Solar Electric.

Have you been considering solar electricity for your Escanaba home or business? Solar panels aren’t just good for the environment — they’re good for people who own them as well. And, the experts here at Strawbale Farms would like to tell you why!

For one, there’s the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Officially called the “solar investment tax credit” or ITC, it’s a reduction in the federal tax bill of a homeowner or business owner who pays for a solar electricity installation. The ITC is offered by the U.S. federal government for homeowners and commercial solar businesses to help make solar more affordable. So, if you’re a homeowner who buys a solar electric system, you’re entitled to a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of that system. In fact, you can wipe out your entire tax bill if your credit is high enough!

It is important to note that solar installations completed after December 31, 2019, won’t be eligible for the 30% tax credit. For 2020, the tax credit steps down to 26%. And, by 2022 it will be down to 10%. So, start planning your solar electricity installation today and ensure you can claim the 2019 30% tax credit!

As long as you own your solar energy system, you are eligible for the solar investment tax credit. Even if you don’t have enough tax liability to claim the entire credit in one year, you can roll over the remaining credits into future years for as long as the tax credit is in effect.

And, solar panels also have a high ROI. Thanks to substantial electricity bill savings, the average homeowner can pay off their solar electric system in 2 to 8 years and see a return on investment when it’s time to sell their home. In fact, solar electricity can add to property values and help sell homes more quickly than those without.

Whether you’re a homeowner or business; electricity costs can make up a large portion of your monthly expenses. With a solar electric system, you’ll generate free power over your system’s entire lifetime.

These are just some of the great reasons to choose solar electricity for your home or business! Discover true energy independence with our supply of Next Energy Solution solar energy. Learn more about solar electricity for your Escanaba home or business today! Call Strawbale Farms at (715) 214-6683 or Contact Us to learn more.