Solar for Farmers

Solar for farmers has become a rapidly growing sector thanks to its efficiency. As government and local programs incentivize solar for farmers more than ever before, and solar technology has only become more efficient, agricultural businesses choose to switch over. Large buildings with open roof space, on-site manufacturing and crop processing, and more benefit from a localized solar installation that frees operations from the grid.  

Solar systems installed for high electrical farm usage are one of the best ways to save money in the long run while going green. Solar power for reliable cold storage is possible thanks to the increasingly-efficient technologies that allow for off-grid cold storage on industrial levels. Buildings that have plenty of open roof space that perform cold storage are ideal for installing solar panels for farmers. 

Is solar energy soil-friendly? Silicon-based PV cells are the most commonly used photovoltaic technology. Glass paneling on solar modules protects the PV cells along with aluminum steel framing. Solar panels will not emit or leech anything toxic into the soil during normal operation or even during fires. In order to melt the internal components, it would require a fire of industrial temperatures far exceeding anything that a grass fire could hope to create. 

Solar panels on a farm will not cause a spread of fungus or offer safe harborage for invasive species. There have been zero studies linking solar development in agriculture to the spread of pets to plant-killing diseases. On the contrary, solar panels help native plants thrive. Air and water conditions under solar installations are similar to those under the sun. Solar panels installed on buildings with wide-open rooftops will not be harborage for pests either when installed by a professional solar company nearby. 

No, solar modules won’t heat up or dry out crops growing under or around them. Instead, they’ll cool the plants in harsh sunlight while also keeping them warmer at night. Studies have shown this temperature homeostasis to be beneficial for growing plants quickly and healthily, just as if they were in regular sunlight under ideal conditions. Furthermore, shade-tolerant crops for farming love solar panels since they offer an extended growing season for them and reduce water requirements. 

Yes, some animals can graze normally under solar modules, but there are options available if the goal is to keep larger animals away that might be deemed risks. Smaller animals, like foxes, can also be accounted for during fencing construction. The space beneath the solar panels can be reseeded and provide habitats for pollinators, helpful birds, and other small species. 

Yes, some livestock can safely graze underneath solar modules without worry. Sheep are commonly employed in vegetation control and can be seen grazing under solar facilities that don’t even grow crops to prevent the overgrowth of local flora. However, larger livestock like cattle might not be compatible due to their size. You will need to discuss with your agricultural solar installation service the best solution for your grazing cattle around solar panels. 

Yes, you can safely spray around solar modules with herbicides and fungicides to control weed growth. Agrochemicals will not present an issue with your solar installation. 

Farmers often wonder if solar energy can power their irrigation systems. Thankfully, the answer is yes, since solar energy offsets the power needed for pumping water. Solar energy can also provide irrigation to remote areas of land in this way, as it requires no grid connection. Farmers looking to put buildings for manufacturing or cold storage in distant areas of the property will benefit more from choosing solar than paying to expand their electrical grid. 

If your farm floods in the spring, all electrical equipment needs to be installed above the projected level of flooding. Areas that see a lot of flooding might not be as economically viable for solar installations due to the increased installation costs of elevating the technologies. However, solar modules on farms can be installed in salt-depleted areas or on marginal land. Buildings that have spacious roofs are some of the best places to install solar modules on a farm. Always discuss with your agricultural solar developer the best strategies that will fit your budget.