Solar for Farmers
Table of Contents
Introduction
Most of the info on this page focuses on solar panel installations, but farmers can save money and even improve their income with solar dehydrators which can prevent food spoilage.
Africa
Central African Republic
Chad
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ethiopia
Somalia
South Africa
Tanzania
Financing Resources
Companies
Asia
Pakistan
CellSol Energy "is committed to providing Superior Solar Solutions along with multiple value-added features for Residential, Agricultural, Industrial, and Commercial projects."
DSG Energy "provides Renewable Energy Solutions with a focus on Solar Energy while providing state of the art technologies through its network of Global technology partners. DSG Energy's turnkey Solar solutions for Industrial, Commercial, Domestic and Agricultural segments are designed by our foreign qualified Engineers to deliver best results using the latest equipment and techniques."
Europe
Agricultural photovoltaics (“Agri-PV”) "As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable farming practices, the marriage of solar power and agriculture offers a promising solution. Our Agrisolar Europe digital platform is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive information, expert insights, and practical resources on how solar power can revolutionise the agricultural sector."
North America
Canada
Solar Energy - An Investment that Pays "Net Metering offers Canadians a unique opportunity: using solar electricity to lower operating costs. Farmers use their solar electricity first to reduce their power bills. But if they don't need it, the electricity flows back to the streets. Net Metering agreements with utilities allows farm owners to get a credit for this exported electricity, and the credits applied to later purchases. Some farms build a healthy credit during the summer to offset their purchases during the winter. Since farms have the advantage of large roofs or areas for ground mounts, these systems are the most economical to install."
USA
About Going Solar
The AgriSolar Clearinghouse is an information-sharing, relationship-building, public communications hub for all things agrisolar. The AgriSolar Clearinghouse:
Connects farmers, graziers, developers, researchers, and the public,
Collaborates on sustainable agrisolar opportunities,
Provides practical technical assistance,
Develops best practices and innovative solutions, and
Celebrates the agrisolar community.
Financial Help
The InSPIRE Project "explores the environmental compatibility and mutual benefits of solar development with agriculture and native landscapes."
Sunwealth® "is a clean energy investment firm on a mission.
We invest in a better energy future by financing and managing solar projects that benefit diverse communities through clean power, carbon reduction, cost savings and job creation. We partner with skilled local solar installers, community organizations and local businesses, and investors to change who benefits from renewable energy by changing the way we invest in it."
Resources by State
This is not a full list, but represents some of the options available in the sunnier states. Please feel free to suggest any programs or grants we have missed!
Arkansas
California
Carolina
Hawaii
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Oklahoma
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
Puerto Rico
Texas
Farmers Electric Cooperative offers services including their Renewable Energy Program for farmers.
Non PV Solar Options for Farmers
Solar Ovens & Dehydrators
These can be a cost effective way to process and preserve food, avoiding crop spoilage or waste.
Water Heaters
Heating water takes a surprising amount of energy, so using solar energy can help keep household costs down.
Tools
North America
USA
The InSPIRE Agrivoltaics Calculator "is a free techno-economic analysis tool that is designed to facilitate the first steps in decision-making regarding the use of low-impact solar development strategies. It should be used as a rough comparison tool to calculate solar energy generation, agricultural revenues, and financial characteristics for three options: agriculture only, solar only, and solar and agriculture combined."
Maps
North America
USA
Agrivoltaics Map "This dynamic map represents a census of agrivoltaic installations located across the United States. The map is constantly expanding as new sites are developed. If you are aware of agrivoltaic sites that should be added to the map or have a correction..."