At Solar Harmonics, we love to eat, so we have a deep appreciation for the vital work that farmers do. Farming is an incredibly high-risk business, with farmers essentially gambling their entire net worth each year, hoping that the weather will be kind enough to keep them in business. A few years of low or no rain can spell disaster for most farms.
Farming isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s also about managing massive electricity costs. Water pumping, food processing, giant ice machines, and irrigation systems all consume a tremendous amount of power. As electricity prices rise, farmers are hit especially hard because they use so much energy, particularly during the most expensive times of the year and day.
Solar energy is not just a solution for current electricity costs; it’s also a hedge against future energy price hikes. However, integrating solar into a farm presents its own challenges. Solar arrays need space, but that space often competes with essential farming operations. Finding the right location for solar panels—away from equipment, spraying, and potential damage—requires creativity and careful planning.
At Solar Harmonics, we collaborate closely with our agricultural clients to design solar installations that maximize electricity savings while making the best use of the farm’s most scarce asset—land. Our goal is to provide a solar solution that supports both the financial and operational needs of the farm.
We start by thoroughly assessing your energy needs and property to design the perfect solar solution for you. Our team will provide a customized proposal detailing system design, costs, and potential savings, tailored to your specific goals.
Once you approve the proposal, we meticulously design your solar system, selecting the best components for optimal performance. Our skilled installers then ensure a seamless installation process, so your system is up and running quickly.
After installation, we handle all necessary inspections to ensure your system meets the highest standards. Once activated, you'll start generating clean energy, and we’ll provide tools to monitor your system’s performance and savings in real-time.
Agricultural solar projects involve installing solar energy systems on farmland or agricultural properties. These projects are designed to power farming operations, reduce energy costs, and contribute to sustainability goals. They can include ground-mounted solar panels, solar-powered irrigation systems, and solar arrays on agricultural buildings.
Benefits include significant reductions in electricity costs, increased energy independence, potential revenue from selling excess power back to the grid, and a reduced carbon footprint. Solar energy can also help stabilize energy costs against fluctuating utility rates.
California offers several incentives, including the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides up to 30% tax credit, 10% Bonus Tax Credit for Domestic Equipment, the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), and various grants and rebates available for agricultural businesses. Additionally, there are local grants/incentives & financing options through the USDA REAP program.
The amount of land required depends on the size of the solar system you plan to install. Typically, a 1 MW (megawatt) solar installation might require around 4 to 5 acres. However, smaller systems can be designed to fit available space, whether on rooftops, over irrigation systems, or in unused land areas.
Solar installations are designed to minimize disruption to farming activities. Solar panels can be strategically placed to avoid interfering with crops, livestock, or machinery. In some cases, dual-use systems, known as "agrivoltaics," can allow for both farming and solar energy production on the same land.
Yes, solar-powered irrigation systems are a popular choice for farmers in California. These systems use solar energy to power pumps for irrigation, reducing reliance on grid electricity and diesel generators, and lowering operational costs.
Most solar panel systems have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, with many manufacturers offering warranties that cover performance over this period. Regular maintenance can help ensure the system operates efficiently throughout its lifespan.
Yes. For a ground mount or parking structure solar panel system, we will need both county environmental health and building department approvals.
The process generally involves an initial consultation to assess energy needs, site evaluation, system design, securing permits, installation, and connection to the grid. After installation, there may be a period of inspection and testing before the system becomes fully operational. Please Contact Us for zero cost solar proposal to check out the various solar options.
Yes, under California’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy, you can sell excess electricity generated by your solar system back to the utility company, earning credits on your electricity bill. It is not very much credit though...it will likely make sense to use the solar to offset the daytime usage of the farm.
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