Solar cells housed within solar panels convert the light from the sun to electricity. Additionally, indirect solar energy can be converted to electricity through lenses and mirrors within the cells, often referred to as photovoltaic technology.

Most agricultural operations will benefit to some degree by going solar. The degree of cost savings depends on each farm’s situation. We begin by having our experts talk with you and gather information such as your farm’s energy costs during the past 12 months. We will then analyze those costs and conduct a feasibility study, taking in to account many factors, including the various tax incentives to put your farm in the most positive financial position possible.

Each farm is unique and has its own set of opportunities. Congress recently passed the Inflation Reduction Act which allows for many financial incentives for farms. We coordinate with the relevant federal and state agencies to help you understand and attempt to qualify for all the grants, tax credits, subsidies, and loan guarantees available to you to maximize your savings.

Energy costs can be as much as 30% of a dairy’s monthly expense. It has been our experience that our customers cut their energy costs by around 50% after switching to solar. Plus, with the tax credits available to farmers, those costs could go down considerably. Each operation is different, so it’s best to consult with our experts to see how solar would benefit your specific situation.

Our network of more than 30 lenders are experts in agriculture and renewable energy. We make the process as easy as possible by working with you and your financial advisor to gather the needed documentation and present a complete package for underwriting.   

The real question is how reliable is solar energy technology since the source of the energy–the sun–isn’t going anywhere soon. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory study that found that out of 54,000 panels installed between 2000 and 2015, only five panels out of 10,000 panels failed -- .0005%. Yes, solar energy is reliable.

There are a number of factors that determine the timing of solar panel installation. Once our experts have a conversation about the specifics of your dairy we can work out a timeline that best suits your operation.

Depending on your local utility and regulatory drivers in your state, you may be able to sell the excess electricity that your solar system generates back into your utility’s electrical grid. Some utilities offer net metering, which is a service some utilities offer to renewable energy customers. In the case of a solar-powered farm, a net-metering system includes a single energy meter, which runs forward when your farm consumes energy and backward when your farm generates excess energy and can supply energy to the electrical grid. When you contribute more energy than your farm consumes, you’ll receive a credit for the amount you added to the grid, which can be used on future electric bills. This can help power other homes and businesses in your area.

Solar energy even reaches parts of the earth that are cloud covered. However, there are many solar-energy storage systems that use battery technology to store electricity that is captured by solar energy systems. Sun Farmers Group’s solar energy experts can help you determine which storage system is best for your farm.

When you use solar energy to power your farm, that means you are not using (or using less) electricity from coal-fired power plants. The carbon that coal-fired plants emit into the atmosphere is considered by the science and environmental establishment as a leading contributor to global climate change. So, the use of solar greatly enhances a farm’s sustainability footprint. Additionally, coal-fired plants are closing in record numbers, adding to the strength of the solar energy argument.

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