The Benefits of Solar for Farming
Can solar energy be used for farming? The short answer is yes!
Farming and agriculture are two of the most important industries in the world. They significantly impact the global economy and provide food and other resources for billions of people. As a result, these industries must adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. One such practice is the use of solar for farming.
How Can Solar Energy Benefit Farming?
Farms and rural businesses require reliable power to produce and supply products to customers. Farming has always utilized the sun's energy for growing crops through photosynthesis.
With the option of using solar in a functioning system, farms and agriculture businesses can use this exciting technology to assist in their day-to-day operations. Solar offers several benefits to the agricultural industry, which include:
Cost savings
Solar energy systems can significantly reduce costs for farmers and agricultural businesses. The initial solar cost may be high, but the long-term savings can be substantial. A solar panel system can produce enough clean power to mitigate the initial cost over time.
Reliability
Photovoltaic systems are reliable and require minimal maintenance. This type of energy-producing system is ideal for remote and rural areas where access to electricity may be limited. Solar for farming can open up options where power has been unpredictable or even unavailable.
Environmentally friendly
Stewards of the land are looking for a clean and renewable energy source that can help reduce pollutants and greenhouse gases. Integrating solar for farm operations and growing crops allows for a clean alternative to traditional agricultural production methods.
This natural power source can replace many fossil fuel sources both farmers and other local community businesses have relied on.
Increased productivity
Productivity is the cornerstone of any farm or agricultural business. Solar panels produce reliable and efficient lighting, heating, and cooling. These improvements can help with working conditions and, in turn, increase productivity.
Farmers understand how much energy is required to operate their agriculture business. Integrating a source of clean energy into their setup can help increase abundance.
Self-sufficiency
Farms and agricultural businesses can reduce their dependence on traditionally supplied electricity by integrating a solar power generation option. Having the capability of a sufficient supply of energy on-site reduces the need for access to electricity from long-distance power lines. This can be an effective option to help mitigate the speed and increasing intensity of climate change.
Access to electricity
In many rural areas, access to electricity can be limited. Farms and agricultural businesses have been forced to rely on diesel generators or other unsustainable energy sources to meet the needs of their operations.
Solar energy systems can provide clean and efficient access to electricity. This localized access vastly improves the quality of life and supports economic development in these areas.
Can Solar Panels and Crops Coexist?
Farmers can have both crops grow and solar modules producing clean energy on the same plot of land. A host of plants thrive with some relief from the full sun. Solar panel systems provide shade below and protect crops from mid-days full-scale warmth.
Examples of agricultural crops that can thrive under a photovoltaic system are leafy green produce such as lettuce, chard, kale, and mustard greens.
Do Solar Panels on Farms Impact Wildlife and Livestock?
When looking at a potential location to install solar panels on agricultural land, it is important to consider animals that will inhabit the space. Think about both domestic livestock and wild animals with the solar array system. These considerations will allow for a positive impact on everything involved. Key considerations on farmland should include:
Solar Arrays: The height installation and the total land space of the system. Will it be ground-mounted or a rooftop installation? This information will give an overall idea of what the footprint will look like.
Type of Livestock: Larger livestock like cattle are at a higher risk of integrating within the system. It is generally safer to stick with smaller animals, such as sheep, that will be gentle within the overall structure.
Space for Livestock: If a farm wants to separate the system from the livestock, the type of fencing needed to keep the animals from the photovoltaic panels needs to be efficient. The use of a permanent fence or an electric fence system would be suitable.
Wildlife: Consider the wild animals' land usage, and air and flight space. Ensure the wildlife can move freely and exist in a natural state.
When you plan and install solar panels, remember that animals, agricultural land, and the solar panel system can live in harmony with efficiency and proper planning.
How Will Solar Panels Impact Daily Farming Activities?
Adding solar modules to an agricultural operation can greatly increase productivity.
Having onsite power allows for a sense of freedom and security for those living in the country. Depending on the size of the farm, the size of the utility-scale solar installation will need to coincide.
There are various pros and cons to consider for a farm operation that is planning to implement this type of clean energy:
Pros of solar for farming
Off-grid system: A solar system can include onsite power storage instead of relying on an off-site traditional power grid.
Custom design: A farmer's solar system can be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and with the ability to generate exactly the right amount of electricity to maintain operations.
Savings: There will be a reduced monthly expense of power once installed, and if your solar system is tied into the grid, you may have net metering benefits available.
Efficiency: Farmers can select food crops that require cover during peak times of sun.
Cons of solar for farming
Space: A solar array can take up a vast amount of space depending on the farm operations' power requirements. This challenge can be mitigated with design and planning to ensure solar panels and food production of crops co-exist.
Initial investment: A solar system can be costly but will be worth the overall investment with the savings accrued over time.
Natural terrain/location: Farms that are closed in by natural elements like hills and trees can have additional challenges. Locations with shorter daylight during the winter also have reduced power generation hours.
A consideration for efficiency is the use of Agrivoltaics. This is the shared space with a series of solar panels and land production. The use of Agrivoltaics considers both the solar array system and the land used to grow crops and sustain animals. It essentially encompasses all elements together for maximum yields.
Farming with Renewable Energy: The Smart Eco-Friendly Choice
In conclusion, using solar for farming offers numerous benefits, including long-term savings, reliability, environmental friendliness, increased productivity, self-sufficiency, and efficient access to clean power.
Farming and agriculture can support sustainable development by adopting solar energy and contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet. From the ground up to the sun, the key to having harmony and balance on any farm is the design, planning, and working with nature.
