Sudbury farmer uses solar panels to power farm

Up North6:21Sudbury farmer turns to solar power

Sudbury's Stuart McCall is converting his farm to be entirely self-sufficient when it comes to energy.

No one likes getting a hydro bill in the mail, but a Sudbury farmer is now collecting cheques instead of bills, thanks to solar panels.

Stew McCall is converting his farm to be entirely self-sufficient when it comes to energy, as he's recently put solar panels all over his roof.

He sends that power back to the grid and gets paid for it.

McCall said solar power generation has the potential to create independence for small farmers.

"One of the major costs for farming is energy," he said.

"If you can defray your energy costs or reduce them by generating your own power, or partially generating your own power, then that offers the opportunity to expand your farm."

He said this month, he received a cheque from the utility for $520.98 all for the power generated by the solar panels on his property.

"After years and years and years of paying hydro, it's kind of been nice to be in a situation where they can pay you," he said.