Farmers install photovoltaic panels

Should farmers build solar panels on agricultural land?

But thanks to years of research, farmers and developers have learned to coordinate their efforts to benefit both parties. It may involve building solar panel arrays about 8 feet off the ground to allow space for crop growth and farm equipment. As of the end of 2022, less than 2% of solar energy projects are on agricultural land.

Should agrivoltaic planners put solar over a farm?

Or farm first, and put solar over it?” If farming is the main priority, she says, then the solar panels may need to be spaced farther apart and possibly be raised higher. Such changes could potentially limit how much electricity those farm fields generate. And agrivoltaic planners may need to treat the soil, Macknick says.

Are solar panels a good fit for your farm?

Solar panels can increase your operation’s profitability. One government grant program for solar panels on farms is called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Why solar energy may be a good fit for your farmers and ranchers Tips and funding opportunities for solar projects on your farm

Can solar panels be used on farms?

Installing solar panels on farms helps solve another major problem: finding the space to collect enough sunlight to produce a bounty of electricity. Farmers can help by sharing their land, says Jordan Macknick. An environmental scientist, he works at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. It’s in Golden, Colo.

Can a ground-mounted solar panel be installed on a farm?

Depending on the lease terms, ground-mounted solar may or may not be allowed on the site. If it is allowed and current farming operations are suitable for a ground-mounted solar PV array or if unused land exists, ground-mounted solar PV may be an option. How can I reduce soil compaction when installing ground-mounted solar panels?

Should solar energy be located on farmland?

Locating solar energy on farmland could significantly increase the available land for solar development, while maintaining land in agricultural production and expanding economic opportunities for farmers, rural communities, and the solar industry.