Solar power can be used in agriculture to save money, reduce carbon emissions and increase self-reliance
As governments, large corporations and homeowners alike seek to lessen their impact on the environment they live and work in, farmers too are looking to cut their emissions and work with the land instead of against it. Eco-friendly farming has been going on for decades, and farmers are always looking for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint and produce high quality food using ethical methods.
To compete with industrial farming, smaller farms need to cut their running costs while keeping their integrity and standards high. Renewable energy sources can help ease the high costs of maintaining a farm while reducing carbon emissions and helping to save the environment.
Many farmers are opting for solar power as a way to generate their own electricity, cutting their reliance on big energy suppliers and fossil fuels and protecting their business against future energy prices, which are set to increase.
There was a time that only farmers in areas that enjoyed a large amount of sunny weather could utilize solar energy for their farms, but the advances in solar power means that panels can harness energy from the sun during cloudy and poor weather just as efficiently as during sunnier days. It is a common myth that solar panel systems require direct sunlight to produce electricity, leading many to believe they need to live in a desert to use solar panels.
It is important to choose a reputable solar panel installer if you decide to purchase a system. Ideally they would be a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association, where a member directory is available at SEIA to help you find installers and industry experts.
A trustworthy installer will give you honest advice on whether your farm is suitable for solar power, and the options available to you. An experienced installer will know how to design agricultural installations, and will be able to advise you on the size and cost of the installation required to generate enough electricity for your needs. Many companies will design ground mounted systems instead of roof installations, as farm roofs are likely to be too weak or old to support the weight of solar panels.
Your solar panels, once installed, can generate enough electricity to give you massive savings on your electricity bills. The Blew family in New Jersey saw their bill drop from $1500 to $2 a month after having solar panels installed on their organic Oak Grove Farm, where they only use the national grid after dark and have 500KW surplus energy ready for the winter months.
Solar power is clean and unlimited, an excellent way to save money and make your farm more efficient and environment friendly. Take care of the earth you make your living from!