Solar Programs For Farmers
The farming industry has taken a hit in the US over the last few decades. Providing electricity for farming indoors is extremely expensive when using traditional electricity which is powered by fossil fuels. The increase in price makes it difficult for farmers to generate a profit so many simply stop farming during the colder seasons. Reducing power bills can allow farmers to thrive during these months rather than try to scrape by. Keeping animals warm over the winter can drain a farmer’s nest egg especially if they are not growing any crops.
Net metering can be extremely important for farmers as it will allow them to run their farm at far lower prices. The farmers will use the energy produced to run their farms but their farm is a unique program that allows excess energy to be used. These agreements in net metering allow farmers to get tax credits for the electricity that is exported. The credits can be used for additional solar panels which can help mitigate the costs of purchases that are made over the course of the winter. Farms have large roofs and land to mount panels on the ground. Ground solar panel systems are by far the most affordable to install.
The Benefits of Ontario Solar Power
The solar panel system can produce a fraction or all of the power needed for the year depending on the number of panels. The incentives of additional energy being purchased via tax credits is a huge bonus. The rates for solar energy get more affordable each year while traditional electricity gets more expensive.
The lower costs per hour can save a farmer money on a daily basis. The fixed costs of solar electricity allow for easier budgeting for a farmer annually. Solar is around half of the price that it costs to purchase electricity from traditional utility companies.
A farmer can see up to 10 percent of a return on their investment. Solar panel systems last up to or over 30 years so the investment will surely pay for itself over time.
The value of farming property will increase as buyers will see solar panel systems as a huge positive aspect especially if they plan to farm themselves.
What Equipment is Used For Solar Energy?
Solar panels are the most recognized piece of technology that is associated with solar power. These are composed of conductors that help harness the power of the sun’s energy. Racking systems are going to need to be used when putting solar panels in fields. The racking system helps stabilize the panels and avoids damaging the roof during the installation of the panels.
These ground mounts make it possible to farm under the panel and help avoid overgrown grass from impacting the energy that they provide. Ground mounts are perfect for a farm that might not have much space on the roof for panels. The roof could also be completely shaded which requires the panels to be installed elsewhere for maximum benefit.
How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Power a Farm?
The number of solar panels that are needed to power a farm depends on a variety of factors. A small farm might be able to use a small roof and an area of a field to power the entire farm. Other larger farms are going to require far more in terms of solar power to completely run the farm without using electricity from utility companies. The exposure to the sun that the panels receive is also going to play a huge role in the number required to adequately power a farm. Most farmers will opt for a few too many panels so they can use net metering to receive tax credits though.
Can Solar Agriculture Save the Modern Farming Industry?
The ability to drive costs down for farmers allows for more profitability. The fact that more money can be generated might entice those that wanted to farm but could not due to financial reasons could revitalize the farming industry. The benefit of not having to rely on the utility companies driving up costs is essential. Renewable energy makes life far easier for farmers and allows them to provide food for the public and money for their families.
FARMER’S GUIDE TO GOING SOLAR
If you are considering going solar on your farm, there are going to be a multitude of options. You can put the panels on top of your roof or in one of your fields. If you are worried about losing space to plant crops, there are some crops that actually benefit from being planted under the panels. The panels will also work more efficiently as the plants will help them cool naturally.
The ability to go completely solar will allow you to estimate your costs more accurately. Utility companies increase their rates while with solar energy your costs will stay fixed. The energy that is not used can be given to the public with tax credits being given to the farmer. These credits can be used to invest in a variety of things and can be a huge help come tax time.
The initial investment in the Ontario agriculture solar panels tends to scare some. This fear is quelled due to the fact that in a decade or less, the investment will have paid for itself in savings. The fact that solar panels can last over 30 years makes this a wise investment to make financially and for the operation of a farm.
