By Rep. Paul Anderson
Several states, including Minnesota, have recently passed legislation granting financial incentives for the construction of facilities that generate solar energy. Our law even specifies that a certain level of electricity produced in Minnesota must come from solar. As a result of these incentives, and the rapidly falling price of solar energy production, the U.S. market is enjoying rapid growth.
According to the magazine, STATE LEGISLATURES, the first quarter of this year saw an increase of 1,330 megawatts of solar capacity added, which represents an increase of nearly 80 percent over last year. When looking at the make-up of new power added to the nation’s grid, roughly three fourths of it came from solar, beating out natural gas and wind. Two reasons stand out for this rapid increase in solar power generation; China’s mass production of low-priced solar panels, along with state and federal incentives.
Several fairly large solar projects have been proposed in Stearns County. Locations being looked at include areas around Albany and Brooten.
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Minnesota’s reputation for quickly changing weather has certainly held true this summer. After a cold and late spring, many areas were hit with heavy rains in late May and June. Then, things dried out and a repeat of last year’s hot, dry summer was predicted by some. However, starting in early August, the rains came again and produced record amounts for the second time in less than three months. My good neighbor, Dave, has kept rainfall records since he started farming nearly 40 years ago, and he reported that this past month was the wettest EVER on his farm – not just the wettest August, but the wettest month in the past 38 years. He recorded just over 10 inches of rain for the month, and it didn’t start until the 10th. In that three-week span, the area received two downpours of three inches each, and another of 2.5 inches.
The harvesting of small grains was difficult, as high humidity and heavy dews in the mornings made for poor drying conditions, even when it wasn’t raining. I finally gave up waiting for my wheat to dry naturally in the field and took it out wet. Many fields took on a dark, almost amber look as more rain fell. Extended periods of wetness are not good for crops nearly ready to be harvested. The weight of the crop actually declines, disease and other problems sometimes arise and toxins may develop in the kernels.
Now, as this is written, extended forecasts are calling for potential record cold temperatures later in the week. That is not what we need this fall, as our late spring and cool summer have combined to slow crop development. According to consultants I’ve visited with, we need a frost-free September to get most crops to maturity. And it sounds as if that may not happen.
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