OPPD learning how to incorporate more solar into the grid
Omaha, NE — The Omaha Public Power District is dead set on hitting its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. That means the use of alternative energy like natural gas, wind and solar.
Graham Christensen with GC ReVOLT, LLC said the district has made several changes as they push for their 2050 goal.
Christensen (also) said through President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners will be able to save more when installing solar panels through tax credits. The Inflation Reduction Act says rebates will remain at 30 percent potentially cutting the price down for installation by thousands of dollars.
Farmer Defends Federal Energy Tax Credits and Weather Balloon Launches
LINCOLN, NE —A 5th-generation Nebraska farmer believes it is critical for Congress to restore National Weather Service staffing, preserve the Renewable Energy Tax Credits and other conservation grants.
Solar panels power 65% of Graham Christensen and his brother's farm near Oakland.
"Everything right now is getting some power from the solar most likely that's running on the farm," Christensen said.
It's thanks to a 20 kilowatt solar array and a 30% federal tax credit that allowed them afford it several years ago.
Graham Christensen Letter: Renewable Energy Opportunity For Farmers, Rural Communities
Lyons, NE — Last month I met up with my landlord at the Northeast Nebraska Farm and Equipment Show in Norfolk.
Outside of the helpful sessions on cash rent and upcoming weather trends, we were also very interested to learn what the latest opportunities are for farming the wind and sun. One of the sessions we attended was a seminar called “Ag, Energy and Property Rights — Harvesting the Wind, Sun and Revenue.”
While we have had solar panels on our farm for years, recently local conversations around larger solar and wind projects have spiked. This is in correlation with the rapidly growing energy demands in eastern Nebraska.
Read Graham Christensen's full Letter to Norfolk Daily-News here >>>
Habitat for Humanity Installs Solar Panels at Omaha Woman's Home
Omaha, NE - An Omaha woman's home has new solar panels as part of an energy-reducing pilot program by Habitat for Humanity. 
The organization has installed panels at three houses already using funding from an OPPD grant. However, this house also has a backup battery that can be used in the event of a power outage.
It's been about two weeks since the panels were installed at Vickie Conway's house. This week, the contractor did a walk-through with her, teaching her how to use the new technology and control everything from her phone.
Conway was overwhelmed with joy to have the solar panels.
"This is a blessing God gave us right here," Conway said.
The pilot program is meant to help create greener energy and help low-income people save on energy costs.