If you’re a landowner, you’ve probably wondered whether it would be a good idea to get solar panels.
But is solar for farmers really as great as it sounds?
In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits of agricultural solar, plus a few things to think about before making that big decision.
Personally, we think solar for farms just makes sense, and our ag customers tend to agree. But let’s take a deeper look.
Benefits of Solar for Farms
There are several great benefits to installing solar panels on your farm or land. These include:
- Lower electricity bills and significant energy savings
- The ability to continue growing crops while also generating green solar energy
- Positive environmental impacts
- The ability to market to a more sustainability-focused, eco-friendly audience
- The chance to earn energy credits (from net metering, where available)
- Opportunities to work with solar developers who need land (plus earn extra income)
- Potentially use less water and even extend your growing seasons
- Possibility to earn income while allowing lands to lay fallow and regenerate
And all that is just the beginning! A pretty great start, but there’s more to explore when it comes to solar for farms. Like all the financial assistance, grants, and loan programs you have access to as a landowner that can help make solar truly affordable.
Solar Incentives and Solar Rebates for Agricultural Solar Panels
Of course, there is a cost associated with switching to solar power, but it can be significantly offset by all the incentive programs out there.
When it comes to solar for farm operations specifically, there are the following options:
- USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
- USDA Guaranteed Loans
- PACE Financing
- Net Metering
- 100% Tax Deferment
Also, until the end of 2020, there’s an incredible 26% federal solar tax credit when you buy a solar energy system. In 2021, that credit steps down to 22%. And after 2021, this sweet deal may disappear altogether for residential solar installations.
For more information, check out our blog post on solar rebates and solar incentives. And this one on the 5 Things Ag Customers Need to Know About Solar Panels. Also, see the Department of Energy’s Farmers Guide to Going Solar.
Oh, and one more thing…
Live and Leave a Legacy
With all the great benefits of going solar for farmers, you’ll be setting your farm (and your family) up for years to come. Reduce your family’s bills and energy burdens for generations to come and protect the environment at the same time—all by going solar. We know that both are important to you!
After all, farmers are the original protectors and cultivators of this land we love.
Solar Sam: Your Local Partner in Ag Solar for Farmers
We’re a fast-growing, Midwest-based, local solar provider and professional solar installer.
At Solar Sam, you get one-stop service. Go solar with us, and we’ll take care of the rest using USA-made products with up to 25-year warranties!
Getting started is so easy. Just give us a call or request a free quote. Then sit back, enjoy your tiny monthly energy bills, and take great care of your land like you always have.
Solar Sam helps you set your farm up for generations of success with clean, green energy run by the sun!
