Solar on farms is a great way for farmers to have a sustainable energy source. The Energy District can help you get started. You can find information on community solar and government owned solar. Find out how to use solar panels for irrigation. You can also learn more about the cost solar panels for farmers.
Community solar
You can enjoy the benefits from solar power without needing to have rooftop solar panels installed on your property. Instead, you sign up for a community project that pumps clean energy into your local grid. You will receive credits to reduce your electricity bills in return. This benefit is possible because of government incentives. Such projects can be started by utilities, nonprofits, or special purpose entities.
To find out more about the process, visit the Community Solar Hub. This resource contains information about developing community solar projects. It also includes a directory listing all state-by-state community solar projects. Grid Alternatives, which is a nonprofit dedicated to making renewable electricity affordable for low- and moderate income communities, is another helpful resource.
Government-owned solar
A new Pennsylvania Senate bill aims to capitalize on Gov. Tom Wolf's plan for solar energy. Wolf led the administration's signing of an agreement to buy solar power from farmers for up 15 years. A presidential order was issued calling for 40 percent renewable energy to be used by 2019. The Senate bill creates an incentive program for solar farms and allows the state to sell renewable electricity credits.
The Mammoth Solar facility, located in northwest Indiana, is an example of a successful Government owned solar on farms project. The project covers over 13,000 acres in two states and will produce enough electricity to power almost one quarter of a billion homes. The cost of building a large solar farm is hundreds of millions of dollars. However, the project has been hit with a variety of obstacles.
Irrigation powered by solar panels
A farm's solar-powered irrigation system can be a great way to meet its water needs. The main components of the system are the controller, the solar panel and the pump. The pumps can deliver up to a million litres of water per day. Farmers are discovering that solar-powered irrigation pumps can be very affordable and can save a lot of money.
Solar for farm irrigation isn't just about the cost. In order to make this option work for many farms, farmers will need to consider a load control analysis. This allows the system's rate to be reduced during periods of high use. Farmers accept limits on how many watts they will use in exchange. Net metering is also an option for solar irrigation systems.
Cost of solar panels to farmers
If you're a farmer, you can cut your cost of solar panels by half, with a USDA grant and federal solar tax credit. These incentives make solar cells a smart investment and can lower your utility bills. Solar panels for farmers offer a great way for farmers to make sure they have enough energy to power their agricultural buildings.
In addition to reducing your fuel bill, solar panels for farms can also help increase your profits. Many farmers are realizing the potential of solar panel installation on their roofs and other unproductive areas as electricity prices continue to rise. Solar PV installations can generate electricity from their farm, reducing fuel consumption and increasing income.