Solar Farming: Using Solar Energy In Agriculture

The technology used to provide solar energy has advanced quickly in recent years, making it most cost-efficient and readily available for homeowners and businesses. 

Because of that, we’re now beginning to see that it can be applied to farms and the agricultural industry.

Benefits For Rural Communities

Farming and agriculture use large amounts of electricity. Traditional electricity causes utility bills to be sky-high and completely drain the budget for small farms. 

Rural communities rely heavily on agriculture and having access to renewable energy sources means sustainable living is possible for many.

Solar energy can power processes such as pest control, irrigation, poultry lighting, plowing, greenhouses, heating and cooling buildings for livestock, and more. 

Spending the money to convert to solar energy upfront will help farmers and rural communities save substantial amounts of income for years to come.

Common Ways To Use Solar Energy On The Farm

Water Pumps

Whether you need to provide water for small-scale farming or a larger irrigation system, solar water pump systems can be an ideal solution.

This type of solar pump can also provide a dependable water supply for daily life on a farm, including watering livestock.

Refrigeration

Processing and preserving meat, dairy products, and other foods produced on a farm uses a lot of energy.

Using solar energy to refrigerate products is a simple fix, especially for areas that are more rural and don’t have access to a reliable local power grid.

Solar Farming

It’s become common in recent years for farms to produce renewable energy by growing corn to make ethanol. Many farmers and ranchers now harvest wind that blows across their land to convert it to electricity. 

In some states, renewable energy can be used to replace other fuels on the farm or sold as a “cash crop”. New options for renewable energy farming are becoming available, including solar farming.

Affordable Energy For Farmers

Solar energy is still the most affordable option for energy in the United States. Adapting agricultural practices can help farms shrink their utility costs and sell excess clean energy back into their local power grids as a source of income.

Those opportunities vary from state to state, so be sure to check your local ordinances and options.

Advanced Solar Is Here To Help

Have questions about how switching to solar energy works and if it’s the best choice for you? We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the best solution!