Solar for
 Agriculture

Among the largest monthly expenses for farmers is energy consumption. The cost to run machinery, heat buildings and barns, provide water for livestock, and produce light is greatly affected by the ever-changing energy rates. As a result, farmers across the country are seeking alternative energy sources to offset their operating costs and increase agricultural efficiency. Solar arrays are becoming increasingly more popular as a means of long-term, low-cost energy, and numerous farmers have partnered with StraightUp Solar to improve their bottom line.

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INCENTIVES
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Uses of Solar Energy in
Agriculture

A variety of structures commonly found on farms, such as barns, outbuildings, silos, and large portions of unused land can be excellent choices for installing a solar array. Regardless of where the panels are located, the most common uses of solar energy in agriculture include water pumping, exterior lighting, and electric fencing. Depending on the type of farm, other solar applications can also involve:

  • Providing a water supply for livestock
  • Aerating ponds
  • Producing light for buildings and barns
  • Contributing to domestic water consumption
  • Heating greenhouses
  • Powering water heaters for dairy operations and cleaning
  • Drying grain bins

Additionally, unproductive land can be turned into an energy generator with the help of ground-mounted solar arrays. Or, if most of your farmland is used for harvesting, cover crops can grow underneath the array, allowing you to capitalize on your available space.

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Agricultural Work

BENEFITS OF
Solar Panels for Farm Use

Environmental

Just as farmers utilize the power of the sun for growing crops, solar pulls from natural sunlight to produce energy. Therefore, the concepts of sustainability and environmental stewardship are easy to grasp. By taking active steps to further care for the planet by supporting solar, you’re setting an example for both other farmers and future generations.

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Unlike traditional methods of producing energy, solar arrays pose no harm to the environment and do not generate carbon emissions. Additionally, the electricity produced from solar goes directly toward offsetting your farm’s energy usage.

Stabilize Your Energy Costs

It’s likely that several months out of the year, electricity is your farm’s highest expense. The energy rates are ever-changing and continuously rising. Solar arrays, however, significantly lower your utility bill and provide a way for you to avoid the fluctuating energy rates.

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The unused energy can be returned to the power grid, providing you with a credit on your utility bill through a program called net metering.

By taking advantage of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), your farm can recoup 26% of your solar system’s cost (if it is ‘placed in service’ by December 31, 2022) through a credit on the following year’s taxes. In 2023, the credit reduces to 22% and by 2024, is lowered again to 10% for commercial installations. Farmers can also leverage federal and state depreciation, as well as USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to lower the cost of their solar.

Low Maintenance & Low Risk

New farm equipment, such as tractors and combines, require human labor to operate and maintain. Solar arrays, on the other hand, function with no human intervention and little to no maintenance required.

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Our professionals will handle all aspects of your solar installation and will provide expert support if an issue were to occur. Additionally, protect your family home from the extreme weather conditions with battery storage.

AGRICULTURAL SOLAR POWER

INCENTIVES

How much money will solar power add to our farm’s bottom line?

The cost of solar energy has dropped over 80% during the last decade. State and federal incentives can put some of the purchase price right back in your pocket. This means regular working families now go solar every day. Moreover, StraightUp Solar offers financing options that make it even easier.

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How it Works

Use our interactive graphic to learn more about how solar can work for your farm.

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1

1. Array Location

Solar panels for farms work when the sun’s rays hit your
solar panels and generate DC electricity

2

2. Inverter

One or more make the DC electricity available for
immediate use by converting it to the AC used by
your farm’s electric system.

3

3. Powering your farm

Your solar generation goes directly to power
your lights, equipment, etc. Solar does not
change the way you use electricity—you could
just pay less to power your milking equipment,
grain dryers, lights and fans, and other equipment.

4

4. Net Metering

Any unused solar electricity is sent to the grid.
When solar generation cannot meet your
demand, you draw what you need from the grid.
From most utilities, you receive a credit for
what you put on the grid and draw this down
when you take from the grid.

5

5. Peace of Mind

The solar panels have no moving parts and
require virtually no maintenance for their
entire 25-year guaranteed production. The
inverter requires replacement typically at
10-15 years, but it can be purchased with an
extended warranty.

Why Choose
StraightUp Solar?

When you choose us for your solar installation, you’ll receive a personalized quote that’s reflective of your needs, wants, goals, and constraints. At StraightUp Solar, our in-house crews possess an unparalleled pride in workmanship. As a fully insured and licensed solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm with multiple dedicated electricians and North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-certified technicians, we are committed to customer success.

In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, we offer operations and maintenance plans to ensure optimal performance. We have 15 years of industry experience, and we promise to be around to service your array. We are constantly re-evaluating our design and build practices, as well as our equipment and internal operations. It’s our goal to educate each customer on solar, so they may have all the necessary information to make a sound decision. Plus, clients can utilize a real-time production display to track results. We make solar easy!

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Add Solar to Your Farm Today!

Our team at StraightUp Solar is composed of individuals from rural Missouri and Illinois who understand the challenges of farming. Many of our professionals live on and manage their own farms, and have seen the benefits solar can provide firsthand. Regardless of the type of farm you run, there’s a solar solution for you that will offset costs, contribute to the growth of clean energy, and improve efficiency. Contact us today for a personalized quote!
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Client
 Testimonial

"I would recommend StraightUp Solar to my friends and to people that I don't know because I just had a really good experience with the team at StraightUp Solar."

Kristopher Klokkenga
Illinois Farmer & Solar Owner
*All scenarios are unique, your experience may differ.

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