Consider growing solar energy

MERRILL, Wis. – James Botsford owns a ground-mounted solar array located 150 feet from his residence – because his roof wouldn’t accommodate an efficient system. He chose to overbuild his system by 20 percent to accommodate expanding to electric cars in the future at his home near Wausau, Wisconsin.

Botsford was one of several at a solar-panel discussion held this past month in Merrill. A full room listened to panelists share their experience and expertise on the practical aspects of investing in renewable energy.

Nathan and Lynette Wolosek are cash-crop farmers from near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. They attended because they hope to take advantage of grant money available for renewable-energy investment. They raise potatoes, sweet corn, green beans and sweet peas for canning, along with a small herd of grass-fed beef. 44The couple also has a small-scale apple orchard and vineyard for personal use. They farm 2,500 acres as part of a family corporation consisting of three brothers, three uncles and Nathan Wolosek’s mother...