BENEDICT, Neb. (AP) — A small but growing number of Nebraska farmers and owners of businesses and homes are adding solar or wind power to their property to save money and help the environment.

Rick Hammond recently turned on 96 solar panels near his grain bins to start generating electricity.

Hammond says he’s proud to be doing something to help the Earth, and he’s looking forward to saving about $3,000 a year on his electricity bill.

Hammond’s solar power system cost $84,864, but a combination of tax credits and a USDA grant reduced the cost to $19,100.

Solar power proponents worry that projects could slow considerably next year if Congress doesn’t extend the current tax credits for solar power.