Agricultural Solar: Solar Energy Solutions for Farms

When farmers and growers harvest the power of the sun with solar for agriculture projects for their daily operations, they are more self-reliant and insulated from the utility industry and fluctuating fuel prices. In modern food production, electricity is a significant and costly part of the day-to-day needs of farmers. The electricity provided by solar panels in solar for agriculture systems can power grain dryers, irrigation pumps, workshops, poultry, turkey and hog sheds, and more. 

Solar Energy Solutions has years of expertise in working with farmers and experienced grant writers in the Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky areas to secure USDA REAP grants and loan funding. This is in addition to the 30% federal tax credit and accelerated capital depreciation (MACRS) that solar panel systems qualify for. Reap grants can currently cover 25% of a solar installation, but under the IRA, Reap grants may cover up 50% of the project cost. An additional 3 Billion in funding has gone to the USDA’s REAP program under the IRA, with one Billion planned to be spent this next year. When you factor in the 30% Federal tax credit and depreciation, we’ve had projects pencil out with as little as a 3.2 year payback. All the energy from the system is completely free after that. Talk about return on investment.

When farmers control their energy generation expenses, they can worry less about utility bills and spend more time focusing on growing.