Many farmers around the country are constantly pondering the idea of investing in solar energy to run their farmland. There are many factors that can affect farming in a negative way. Pandemics, natural disasters, economic recessions, and other negative events can result in nightmares for the agriculture industry across the country. One way to help save farms on energy bills and the cost of running a farm is to invest in renewable energy like solar.
How is COVID-19 Affecting Farming?
The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced restaurants, coffee shops, and other markets to close, which has led to fresh food demand to drop. Farms have been left with stockpiles of fresh food they can’t supply to restaurants and other places serving fresh food. This impacts farmers because they make their living on supplying the fresh food to those who need it. The federal government will have to step in to help farms and ranches supply that food to people in need of it.
Why Should Farms Invest in Solar Energy?
Solar energy systems are low maintenance, and the energy would be free once the initial cost of the investment is recovered. For farmers, their longevity is the most important, and that is why a solar energy system investment can benefit farms in the long run. Traditional energy like kerosene, diesel, and propane have caused problems such as the cost of transportation, spillage, fumes, and high maintenance costs.
By utilizing solar energy in agriculture, these farmers will be able to reduce their fossil fuel emissions and environmental hazards. If a farm has a solar energy system with energy storage, they will have the opportunity to obtain a surplus of energy, which then they can give back to the grid supplying them with another source of income in times of need. Another significant reason for agriculture to invest in renewable energy is because it is the future of energy. If farms want to last, their best bet is to go solar.
When Should Farmers Invest?
Investing in a large-scale solar photovoltaic project sooner, rather than later is highly beneficial. At this point, fossil fuels continue to rise and solar has dropped almost 80% in the last several years. Solar energy is the best alternative in favor of energy independence. As utility rates rise, a farmer’s investment will become even more valuable. Energy bills will decrease significantly, and when a tough obstacle appears, your solar energy system will take the weight off your shoulders.
The Benefits:
- Long-term energy savings that grow
- Energy Independence
- Another form of revenue for your farm and livelihood
- Fuel your farm and home
- Lease your land for solar development with no outlay of money required.
So, what should I expect solar energy to help farmers with?
Solar energy has the capability to supply your farm with energy to run motor, water pumping for irrigation in fields, for livestock, and pond management. For your building needs, solar energy can supply energy for lighting, ventilation, heating, air cooling, and much more. Anything that requires energy to be used has the possibility to be run on your solar energy system if you play your cars right.
Environmental Benefits for Farms:
- Solar energy decreases fossil fuel emissions in the atmosphere
- Solar produces clean energy
- Air quality improves and pollution decreases
Pope Energy Provides Solar Energy Projects
At Pope Energy, we specialize in the development of large-scale solar projects for land owners including farmers. With our solar development team, we have the capability to guide through every detail of the project with installation, development, production, and repair and maintenance.
If you’re a farmer, and you need help on energy savings and supply, contact Pope Energy at 855-767-3363. Your investment in solar energy can help save your livelihood of farming!