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.
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:
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.
The Herndon Farms of Macomb, Illinois went solar in 2019 after seeing their neighbors at Creasey Farms go solar. Knowing they could trust the experts at StraightUp Solar, they chose to install a similar 67.2 kW solar PV system to offset energy production on their pork producing operation.
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.
Use our interactive graphic to learn more about how solar can work for your farm.
Solar panels for farms work when the sun’s rays hit your
solar panels and generate DC electricity
One or more make the DC electricity available for
immediate use by converting it to the AC used by
your farm’s electric system.
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.
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.
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.
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!
"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."
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