Commercial solar panels are becoming increasingly popular for all kinds of businesses, especially in the agricultural industry. Farms and other agricultural businesses not only use a lot of power, they also have a lot of land, which makes them a perfect candidate for solar panels.
In 2024, solar panels for farms and agricultural businesses can receive significant tax incentives and grants to reduce upfront costs. Thanks to the savings available, there’s never been a better time to install commercial solar panels for your farm buildings.
Benefits of Solar Power in Farming & Agriculture
Commercial solar panels have many unique benefits for farms and other agricultural businesses.
Lower Operating Expenses
Solar panels will significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills by generating free power for your farm. Solar panels last for 25 years or longer, protecting you against electricity rate increases and ensuring long-term savings.
Energy Independence & Resilience
Commercial solar panels reduce your reliance on the main electric grid and increase resiliency, especially in rural areas that are prone to power outages. When paired with solar battery storage, solar panels keep your power on during a grid disruption, ensuring continuous operation.
Environmental Benefits
Using solar energy for farming reduces carbon emissions and other pollutants that are associated with burning fossil fuels. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment and are looking for eco-friendly businesses to support. Installing solar panels is a clear demonstration of your environmental responsibility that can help you reach more customers.
Agricultural Businesses Qualify for Significant Solar Incentives
Farmers and agricultural businesses can save up to 80% on their solar installation costs with grants and tax credits.
- USDA REAP Grants – Agricultural producers are eligible for grant funding worth up to 50% of their total project costs for solar panel installation.
- Investment Tax Credit – All commercial solar projects are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.
- Accelerated Depreciation – Commercial solar projects may also qualify for accelerated depreciation through the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).
Because they qualify for so many incentives that reduce upfront costs, agricultural solar installations have an impressive payback period. Many projects break even on their initial investment in just 1.5 to 3 years. After that, every dollar you save on your electric bills is simply money earned.
Learn more about financing and incentives.
Best Solar Panels for Farms & Agricultural Businesses
Farms are unique from other types of commercial businesses because they tend to have a lot of land, which enables them to install ground-mounted solar panels in addition or as an alternative to rooftop solar panels.
- Rooftop Solar Panels – Rooftop solar panels can be installed on any structure with a suitable roof, like a farm or warehouse, turning empty roof space into a private power plant for your business.
- Ground-Mounted Solar Panels – Ground-mounted solar panels can be installed on open land and positioned to maximize sunlight access, optimizing your solar electricity generation.
- Agrivoltaics – Also known as agrisolar, agrivoltaics refers to a method that integrates solar panels with agricultural activities like crop production and livestock grazing. The dual-use increases land productivity and, ultimately, profit.
Find the Right Solar Solution for Your Agricultural Business
Solar Energy Solutions specializes in solar panel installation for farms and agricultural businesses in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia. We are a highly experienced, locally owned and operated solar company that’s installed thousands of solar energy systems. Our expert team can help you find the best solar solutions for your business and guide you through the financing process to ensure you receive the highest incentives possible.
