Solar Panels for Farmers
What is {a|an|what is a} Solar Farm?
{A solar farm is|The term “solar farm” refers to|Solar farms are} a {collection|set|group} {of solar panels|made up of solar panel|comprised of solar cells}. {These|The} {panels absorb solar energy|panel absorb sunlight|panels absorb the solar power}{ and convert| and transform|, and then convert} {it|the energy} into electricity. The {electricity then goes|power is then sent|energy is then transferred} to the grid {for distribution and consumption|to be distributed and consumed}. {You’ll often see solar farms|There are many solar farms|Solar farms are often} {called photovoltaic power stations|known as photovoltaic power plants|also known as photovoltaic power stations} {or|also known as|and} solar parks. {They are typically mounted|They’re typically erected|They’re usually erected} on the ground{ and|, but they| but} {can be of|could be|may be of} any {size|dimensions}.
{Types|Different types|The types} of solar farms
There are tens of thousands upon tens of thousands solar installations across the [xfield_state-abbreviation] You can group them into two types: one based on their size.
- Utility-scale
- Community solar
{Solar power for farmers|Renewable energy for farms|Power from solar for the farmers}
{Your solar modules could generate|Solar panels could produce|The solar panels you have installed could generate} enough {electricity|power|energy} to {power your home, barn|provide power to your barn, home|supply power to your home, barn}{,|} and silos. This {will lower your electricity|could lower your electricity|can lower your electric} {bill|cost}. Any {excess electricity sent back|extra electricity that is returned|excess electricity returned} to the grid {may|could|might} {show up as a credit|appear as a credit|be credited} {on your bill|to your account|in your statement}.
{You may be|It is possible to be|It’s possible that you are} {skeptical when you hear of|doubtful when you hear about|skeptical when you learn of} {a 51 percent discount on|the offer of a discount of 51 percent on|discounts of 51 percent off} {any item|every item|anything}. Solar {modules are an attractive|panels are a great|modules can be a good} {investment because of the simplicity|investment due to the simplicity|option due to the ease} of {the math|the calculations|their math}.
Rural Energy for America Program {grants eligible farmers|allows eligible farmers to receive|provides eligible farmers with} up to 25{% of the total| percent of the total| percent of the} {cost of solar system projects|costs of solar systems|costs for solar-powered projects}. {Loan guarantees up|Guarantees for loans up|Loan guarantees of up} {to 75% of|75 percent of|at 75%} {total|the total} {costs are available|cost are offered}. These incentives {can|could} {be a significant help for|provide a huge benefit to|be significant for} farmers {when they are paying|who are paying|who have to pay} {for solar panels|to install solar panels|the cost of solar panel}. {The benefits do not end|These benefits don’t stop|The benefits don’t end} {there|at that point|with that}.
{The federal tax credit5|Federal tax credits5|A federal tax deduction5} {for|available to} farmers{ of|| that is} up to 26 {per cent|percent} {is available to|is available for|can be used for} solar-related projects {in|beginning in|starting in} 2020. In 2021, {the credit|the tax credit|this credit} will {increase|be increased|rise} to 22 {per cent|percent}. {The|It is a good idea to know that the|In 2021, the} ITC {is available to|can be used by|will be available for}{ both|} {home and business|homeowners and business|business and home} owners who {plan|are planning|want} {to go solar|for a solar-powered future|going solar}. The ITC {currently stands|is currently} {at 26% for|in at 26% both for|as 26%, both} {residential|commercial} and commercial{, with| properties, with| use, and} {a possible drop|the possibility of dropping|an opportunity to drop} to 22% {in|by} 2022. In 2023, {residential|the residential} {and|as well as} commercial ITC will {drop|fall|decrease} to 22{%| percent| percentage}. Commercial {will drop|ITC will fall|will decrease} to 10%{ and|, and} residential{, zero in 2024| will be zero by 2024|, to zero in 2024}. {You can see the benefits|It is possible to see the advantages|There are many benefits} of {going solar in 2020|solar energy in 2020}. The {25 percent grant combined|grant of 25 percent combined|25 percent grant , when combined} with{ the|} federal {credits could|credits may|credit could} {mean that farmers could reduce|result in farmers reducing|help farmers cut} {their solar system costs|the cost of solar panels|their solar costs} by {up to half|as much as half|half}.
These benefits {are the foundation|form the basis|are the base} of {an attractive|a promising|a thriving} energy future. Farmers {may|could|might}{ also|} be {eligible for state-level benefits|qualified for benefits at the state level|entitled to state-level benefits} {that can help them save|which can assist them in saving|which could help them save} money. {SRECs are solar renewable energy credits|These are credits for solar energy|The SRECs refer to solar renewable energy credits} {that can|that could|which can} be {earned|obtained|awarded} {by states for every|from states in exchange for|through states with every} {1,000|one thousand|1000} {kilowatts|Kilowatts} {of solar power|generated by solar energy|in solar power}. {These credits can be|They can be|These credits are} {sold to utility firms|transferred to utility companies|offered to utilities} {that purchase them in order|who purchase them} to {meet|ensure that they meet|comply with} {renewable energy portfolio standards|the standards of renewable energy portfolios|standards for renewable energy portfolios}. This {will save you|can save you|will help you save} {money on your solar panels|the cost of your solar panels|cash on solar panels}.
{Roof Mounted Solar PV System|A Roof-mounted Solar PV system|Systems for Roof mounted solar PV} {For|for} Farms
{Many farms and businesses can|Numerous farms and businesses|A lot of farms and companies} {have roof-mounted solar PV systems|be equipped with solar PV roof systems|install solar PV on the roof}. A typical agricultural {building|structure} {has a pitch of 10-15|is built with a pitch of 10 to 15|has a pitch of about 10} degrees on {the|its} roof. {This roof will produce|The roof can generate|The roof produces} {significant amounts of power,|substantial amounts of energy,|massive amounts of power} even if {it is not|it’s not|it’s} facing {south|to the south|towards south}.
{Farm building roofs|Roofs of farm buildings|Roofs on farm buildings} {can be used as|are able to be used as|can be used to create} solar modules. They {don’t|do not} {require|need} {planning permission|approval for planning|permission for development}. {Maintenance and servicing costs are|Costs for maintenance and service are|The cost of maintenance and repairs is} {also low once they have|as low after they’ve|too low once they’ve} been {installed|put in place|set up}. Solar energy {is not only|is not just|isn’t just} renewable{ but also offers long-term|, but it also provides long-term|, but also offers} {protection against|security against|security from} {rising|increasing} energy costs. {This means that|It means|That means there are} no greenhouse {gasses|gases} are released{, and no| and also no|, and there is no} {natural resources are depleted|natural resources are depleted|natural resources are drained}.
The {Environmental Benefits|environmental benefits} of Farmers Going Solar
{Going solar is not only|Solar power isn’t just|Going solar isn’t just} {a cost-savings option|an option to save money|an economical option} {for farmers, but|to farmers. It|that farmers can take advantage of, it}{ also| it also|} {has many benefits for|offers many advantages for|provides many benefits to} the {environment|environmental environment|ecological environment}. {Your solar modules generate|Solar panels generate|The solar panels produce} electricity{ without producing carbon emissions|, but they do not emit carbon dioxide| without releasing carbon emissions} {that are harmful to the|which are detrimental to|that can harm the} {environmental benefits|environment}. This is {in contrast|contrary} {to utility firms that still|utility companies that|to utilities that} {rely heavily on|depend heavily upon|depend on the} fossil fuels {to produce|for|to generate} the {electricity they supply|power they provide|electricity they sell} {to their customers|for their clients|the customers they serve}. {Every|Each} year, {thousands|millions} {of tons|tonnes|of tonnes} of carbon dioxide {are released into the atmosphere|are released into the air|is released into the atmosphere} {by burning|through the burning of|from the burning of} {coal and natural gas|natural gas and coal}.
Farmers {earn their livelihoods|make their living|are able to earn their living} {from|by harvesting|through} {the bounty of the|their bounty on the|nature’s bounty.} Earth{, which| This| and this} {makes it easy to understand|is easy to comprehend|makes it simple to understand} sustainability and environmental {stewardship|management|conservation}. Farmers who {don’t care about|do not care about|do not take care of} their {agricultural land, crops|land, crops|crops, their land}{, or animals will not| or livestock will not| or livestock won’t} {be in business|remain in business for|continue to operate for very} {long|all the time|in the long run}. {You’re setting an example|Set an example|Your example will be set} for {future generations|the future generation|the next generation} by taking {steps|the necessary steps|action} to {care for the planet|protect the environment|take care of the earth} {through installing solar|by installing solar panels|by installing solar}.
{Solar modules are|The solar modules have become|Solar panels are among} the {latest|newest|most recent} cash crop {to hit farm|that is hitting farm|that has hit farms} fields. Solar {array is popping up|arrays are popping up|arrays are appearing} {all over [location]|everywhere|all over the place}{,|| across the country,} {in all sizes and shapes|in all shapes and sizes|with all sizes and shapes}. They {range from small, local|vary from small, local|range from small, small} farms that {provide|supply|offer} {light to|lighting to|illumination to the} communities, {to large|to massive|up to huge}{, utility-scale farms that supply| utilitarian-scale farms that provide| commercial farms that supply} {electricity|electric power} to thousands of {homes|households}.
Solar has {seen|experienced|witnessed} an average {annual growth rate|of annual growth|annual rate of growth} (49{%| percent}) {in the past decade|over the last decade|in the past 10 years}. This growth can be attributed to the increasing number of solar farms that are being built across the [xfield_state-abbreviation], including [region], our own solar farm in [region].
{There is|There’s} {enough solar power available|plenty of solar power|sufficient solar power} {today|in the present} to {power|provide power to|supply electricity to} 15.7 {millions homes|million homes|millions of homes}. Let’s {discuss|talk about|look at} solar farms. {We will be discussing|We’ll be discussing|We’ll discuss} the {various types|different types|various kinds} of farms{ and their specifics| as well as their particulars|, as well as their specifics}{, such as cost and| like cost and| including cost, as well as} power lines.
{Solar energy and agriculture can|Agriculture and solar energy can|The solar energy industry and agriculture could} {benefit from one another|benefit from each other|be benefited from one another.}
As the [xfield_state-abbreviation]’s eco-consumer rate rises, many industries are looking for ways to reduce their emissions. {Technology advancements are needed|Technologies advancements are required|Innovations in technology are needed} to {improve|increase|enhance} {sustainability in the agricultural sector|the sustainability of agriculture|the sustainability of the agricultural sector}{, which| which| that} is {a major polluter|one of the biggest polluters|the largest polluter}. {The environmentalists are looking at|Environmentalists are looking into|Environmentalists are examining} the{ potential|| possible} {benefits of solar power for|advantages of solar power in|advantages of solar power} {supporting farming|helping farmers|aiding farmers}.
{President Joe Biden’s|The President’s|Vice President Biden’s} Build Back Better {Plan|plan|Program} {supports|promotes|is a strong endorsement of} the {connection between renewables|link between renewable energy}{, agriculture and other forms| agriculture, renewable energy and other types| as well as agriculture and other forms} of energy. {His administration plans to reach|Biden’s administration is planning to achieve|The Biden administration plans to achieve} {national carbon neutrality by|the goal of carbon-neutrality in|zero carbon emissions by the year} 2040 {through|using|by using} {clean electricity|renewable energy that is clean|green electricity}. Solar {modules can be installed|panels can be used|modules can be erected} by farmers {to increase|to boost|in order to increase} their {food production and generate|production of food and produce|food production as well as generate} electricity that is {emission-free|emissions-free|non-emissions}.
{Current estimates indicate that|According to current estimates,|The current estimates suggest that} {80% of [region]’s energy|the majority of energy in [the region]|80percent of the energy used in [the region]} {comes|is derived} {from|through|via} fossil fuels. {The elements emit greenhouse gasses|The elements release greenhouse gases|They release greenhouse gases} {into the atmosphere during combustion|in the air during combustion|to the atmosphere when they are burned}.
{These gasses change|They alter|The gasses alter} {the composition of the|how the air is composed.|their composition in the} {atmosphere|air}. To {maintain a specific temperature|keep a certain temperature|ensure that the temperature stays within a particular} range, the {planet depends|earth relies|planet relies} on an {atmospheric consistency|atmosphere|air consistency} {that can produce|which can create|that is able to produce} {and regulate temperatures|as well as regulate temperature|the temperature and control it}. {Earth’s ability|The capacity of Earth|The ability of the Earth} to {sustain life is affected|support life is impacted} by changes in {its composition|its structure|the composition of its}.
Earth {absorbs infrared radiation|is a sponge for infrared light|takes infrared radiation}{,|} {which produces heat and|which generates heat and|that generates heat, and then} {warms its|increases the temperature of its|it warms the} surface. The atmosphere {then gathers|absorbs|then absorbs} more energy{ and sends|, and then sends| before sending} it{ out|} {to|into} space. The process is {altered|influenced|affected} by greenhouse {gasses, which|gases, which|gases that} {increase the atmospheric sun-to-heat ratio|boost the ratio of sun to heat in the atmosphere|enhance the sun-to-heat ratio in the atmosphere}.
{Emissions trap|The emissions capture|Emissions capture} excess energy{ and refilter|, and then filter| and filter} it {through heat production|by producing heat|via heat production}. The {planet’s temperature rises|temperature of the planet rises|temperature of the planet increases} {over time as the gasses|with time as gasses|in time as the gases} {accumulate|build up|increase}. {These negative effects are reduced|The negative effects of this are mitigated|The negative impacts are minimized} {by solar power|by solar energy|through solar power}{, which produces abundant| that generates abundant| which generates plenty of} energy{ without emitting any emissions|, without releasing any emissions| and does not emit any carbon dioxide}.
{Agricultural processes are another factor|Agriculture is another element|The agricultural processes are a third factor} {in the enhanced greenhouse effect|that contribute to the increased greenhouse effect|that can contribute to the increase in greenhouse effects}. The {rate at which methane is|amount of methane|quantity of methane} released into the {atmosphere increases|atmosphere is increased|air increases} {by raising cattle|through the raising of cattle|when cattle are raised}. Methane is more {harmful|damaging|dangerous} {than carbon dioxide|than carbon dioxide}.
Exploiting natural {lands or resources|resources or lands|resources and lands} {can also impact|could also affect the|can have a negative impact on} {Earth’s|the Earth’s|earth’s} {ecology|ecological balance|ecosystem}. {Overproduction of crops results in|The overproduction of crops leads to|In the case of overproduction, it results in} {excessive water use,|overuse of water,|an excessive use of water, the} {erosion of soil,|erosion of soil|soil erosion,} and {depletion of the ground’s|a decrease in the soil’s|the depletion of the soil’s} {nutrient level|nutrients|nutritional level}. Solar panels {can be used|can be utilized|are a great option} to {cover large|cover huge|be used to cover large} areas of {farms and|agricultural land and|farm land as well as} water sources. This {will increase|can boost|can increase} {renewable energy production and help|the production of renewable energy and aid|the amount of renewable energy produced and assist} {with agricultural land conservation|in the conservation of agricultural land|to conserve agricultural land}.
{Covering low-light plants|Plants with low light|Covering plants with low-light}
As {the global temperature rises|global temperatures rise|the temperature of the world rises}{, solar farmers find| solar farmers are finding| solar farmers face} it {difficult to grow many|challenging to cultivate many|difficult to grow a variety of} {heat- and light-tolerant crops|plants that are light and heat-tolerant|varieties that can withstand light and heat}. {To achieve optimal growth cycles|In order to achieve optimal growth cycles|To ensure optimal growth}{, high-demand vegetables such as| the most popular vegetables like| high-demand crops like} {tomatoes, leaf lettuces|leaves lettuces, tomatoes|tomato, lettuces}{,|} {spinach, and squash need|squash, and spinach require} shade. Solar panels {can be used|can be utilized|are used} {by farmers to shade|for farmers in order to cover|as a shade by the farmers who want to protect}{ low-light| light-shaded|} plants and {increase|boost|improve} {their yields|the yields of these plants}.
Agrivoltaics {was a term|is a term|is a word} {that refers to farming using|which refers to the cultivation of crops using|that refers to farming with} solar panels. It was {created|invented|developed} by environmentalists. The panels {help protect|protect|shield} crops from {sunlight-related damage because|damage caused by sunlight because|sun-induced damage since} {the plants cool the|they cool the|the plants cool down the} solar system {when they sweat|as they sweat|by sweating}. {Overheating can cause a decrease|Overheating can result in a decline|The overheated system can result in a reduction} in the {energy efficiency of|efficiency of energy produced by|efficiency of} renewable {devices, so|devices, therefore|gadgets, which is why} {low-light crops are able to|plants with low light levels are able to|those with lower light levels can} {preserve their production|keep their output|maintain their productivity}.
Floatovoltaic-covered canals
{Solar panels are also|The solar panels also are|Additionally, solar panel systems are}{ being|} {used by the agricultural industry|utilized by the agriculture industry|employed by the agricultural sector} to {conserve|preserve|help conserve} natural resources. Agriculture {requires large amounts|is a major use|demands a lot} of water. As {the global temperature rises|global temperatures rise|global temperatures increase}{, so does the evaporation| as does the evaporation| and the rate of evaporation increases, so too does the} rate. This {can lead to prolonged|could lead to long-lasting|can cause prolonged} droughts in {some regions|certain regions|some areas}.
{Scientists and environmental engineers|Environmental engineers and scientists} {came up with|have come up with|discovered} {a sustainable solution:|an environmentally sustainable solution:|an eco-friendly solution: solar} panels {placed over|that are placed over|placed on} canals. {[location] agricultural professionals intend|The agricultural experts from [location] plan|Agriculture professionals from [location] are planning} to {install solar systems over|put solar panels over|build solar panels on} {water sources that support [location]’s|the water sources that will support [location’s]|the sources of water that feed [location’s]} farms. The project could {save 65|save up to 65|help save 65} billion gallons {annually|of water annually|a year}{, according to researchers| according to research}.
{Others have also developed|Other researchers have also created|There are other companies that have developed} floating photovoltaic {panels, which|panelsthat|solar panels that} {help protect water supplies|aid in protecting water sources|can help shield water sources} from the {impacts|effects} {of climate change|from climate changes|caused by climate change}. {The PV technology converts solar|This technology transforms sun’s|Photovoltaic technology turns solar} {radiation|energy} into an {electric current that is free|electric current that is not contaminated|electrical current that is unaffected} {from|of} {emissions|emission}. {Professionals call them floatovoltaic system|The term “floatovoltaic” is used by professionals|Professionals refer to them as floatovoltaic systems} {because the panels can|since the panels are able to|due to the fact that the panels can be} {float|flounder|floating} on {water surfaces|surfaces of water|the water surface}.
The floatovoltaic {panel can increase|panel could increase|panels can boost} {national clean energy efficiency supply|the efficiency of clean energy in the country|the national supply of clean energy} {as well as the availability|and also the supply|and the availability} of freshwater {for agriculture development|to develop agriculture|for development in agriculture}. {The industries can work together|Industry partners can collaborate|Industries can cooperate} to {reduce harmful environmental effects|minimize harmful environmental impacts|lessen harmful environmental effects} and {increase resource|boost|enhance} conservation efforts.
The greenhouse effect {can|may|could} {also limit agricultural businesses production|affect the production of agricultural businesses|hinder the growth of farms} {because of animals overheating|due to animals that are overheated|due to animals overheating}. Shade is {essential|vital|crucial} for {livestock that are grazing|animals that graze|livestock that graze}{, such as| like} {sheep and cattle|cattle and sheep}. {Solar panels can be|The solar panels are|Panels of solar energy can be} {installed|erected|put up} on farms to {provide shelter for their|give shelter to their|offer shelter to} livestock.
{Limitations on production|Production restrictions|Production limitations}
{Although solar panels may seem|While solar panels might appear|Although solar panels appear} {easy to use for|simple to use for|straightforward to use in} {agricultural businesses production, many|agriculture-related businesses, many|farming businesses, a lot of} farmers {are resistant to adopting|aren’t keen on adopting|are hesitant to use} this {technology|method of production|technique}. {Many farmers don’t believe that|Many farmers aren’t convinced that|A lot of farmers don’t believe} solar panels {can be used|are suitable for use|can be utilized} {on their fields|in their fields|on their farms}. {The panels are too large|The panels are too big|They are too big} and {restrict|limit|limit the} production.
{Others in rural areas see|Rural areas may view|Some rural areas view} solar as a {political statement|way to make a statement about politics|form of political declaration}. {Research has shown that less|Studies have shown that fewer|Research has revealed that less} Republican {citizens support renewable sources|residents support renewable energy|people support renewable sources} systems {due to their inability|because they are unable} to {recognize their environmental value|appreciate their environmental benefits|understand their environmental impact}.
{How [xfield_company] can help|What can [xfield_company] do to help|How can [xfield_company] assist} {farmers|farmers?}
{Farming is no different from|It is just like|The farming industry is similar to} any other {business|type of business|kind of business}. {You have to manage|It is essential to control|It’s important to be aware of} {costs and market factors|the costs and market conditions|expenses and market variables} {that could affect|that can affect|which could impact} your farm. {You’ll find it easier|It is easier|You’ll be able} to {connect with other businesses|network with other companies|work with businesses} {who have gone solar through|that have gone solar with|who have gone solar via} [xfield_company{]|the [xfield_company]|The [xfield_company]}.
It’s {easy to see|not difficult to understand|clear} {why solar panel installation is|the reason why solar panel installations are|the reasons why solar panel installation is} {a good choice|an ideal option|the best option} for farmers. [xfield_company] {can design|can create|is able to design} the {system that is right|ideal system|right system} for you, {regardless of|no matter} {how big or small|the size or scale of|how large or small} {your farm|your farm is}. This {will allow you to|will enable you to|can help you} {offset your costs|reduce your expenses|lower your expenses} while positively {impacting your financial future|improving your financial situation} {as well as the environment|and the natural environment|as well as the planet}. Solar panels are {a rare|a unique|an uncommon} product that {can achieve|can deliver|has the potential to deliver} {such significant wins|these kinds of significant gains|this level of success}. {For more information and to|To learn more about solar panels and|For more details and to} {find out|determine|discover} {if solar panels are right|whether solar panels are the right choice|whether solar panels are suitable} for you, {call|contact|please call} us.