SOLAR SAVINGS TOOLKIT
Photo courtesy of 3 Porch Farm in Comer, GA
Thinking About Solar? Start Here!
Solar energy isn’t just for massive operations or large-scale agrovoltaic installations. More than 153,000 farms across the U.S. now use renewable energy, with solar as the largest percentage. Whether you’re managing a diversified vegetable and livestock farm or just looking to power a walk-in cooler, irrigation pump, or greenhouse, solar can scale to your needs.
Our Solar Savings Toolkit, created through Georgia Organics and McIntosh S.E.E.D.’s first Climate Solutions & Equity Grant, breaks down how solar works, what the upfront costs are, and how much you could save over time. With real Georgia farm examples, clear funding guidance, and an easy-to-use savings calculator, this is your starting point for making a smart renewable energy choice.
Why Solar?
Solar energy is a climate-smart farming solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers energy costs, and increases energy security. As extreme weather events become more frequent, being powered by solar helps farmers build resilience against rising energy prices and power disruptions.
Benefits of Solar Power for Farmers
Reduced Energy Costs: Solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills by providing a renewable and cost-effective alternative to traditional electricity sources.
Energy Independence: Powering your farm with solar can provide farmers with greater control over their energy needs, reducing reliance on the grid and potentially minimizing disruptions from power outages.
Environmental Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and a more sustainable agricultural operation.
Extended Growing Seasons: Solar-powered heating and lighting systems can extend the growing season, allowing farmers to produce crops year-round or in regions with shorter growing seasons.
Powering Various Farm Equipment: Solar energy can power a wide range of farm equipment, including freezers, walk-in coolers, irrigation systems, lighting, and heating/cooling systems.
Cost-Effective Solutions: While there is an initial investment in building solar infrastructure, solar systems can provide long-term cost savings and reduce operational expenses.
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Assessing Solar Potential
Before investing in solar, consider:
A reputable solar service provider can help you assess these factors and determine the best solar solution for your farm.
Location & Sunlight: Does your farm receive consistent sunlight?
Energy Usage: What are your peak consumption times and biggest energy needs?
Available Space: Do you have enough land or roof space for installation?
System Costs & Incentives: What are the costs, and what financial assistance is available?
Impact on Operations: Will solar affect farm activities, grazing, or soil conditions? How Solar Power Works
Solar Power Components
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used immediately, stored in batteries, or sent to the grid. A complete system includes:
Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverters: Convert DC into alternating current (AC) for farm use.
Batteries (Optional): Store energy for off-grid use or backup power.
Charge Controllers: Manage energy flow and prevent overcharging.
Mounting Systems: Secure solar panels to a roof or the ground.
Installation Options
Selecting the right installation type depends on factors like available space, budget, and energy needs.
Ground-Mounted: Installed on open land, these systems offer flexibility in orientation for maximum sunlight exposure. They are easier to clean and maintain but require dedicated space, which may impact land use for farming activities.
Roof-Mounted: Mounted on barn, greenhouse, or building rooftops, these systems make efficient use of existing structures without taking up valuable farmland. They are typically more affordable to install but may have limitations due to roof size, angle, and structural integrity.
System Types
Choosing the right system type depends on your farm’s energy requirements and access to grid power.
Grid-Tied: Connected to the utility grid, allowing you to draw power when solar production is low and sell excess energy back to the grid through net metering. These systems tend to have lower upfront costs since they do not require battery storage.
Off-Grid: Completely independent from the utility grid, these systems rely on battery storage to provide power during low sunlight periods. They are ideal for remote farms without grid access but require a larger upfront investment due to the need for batteries and backup power sources.
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Average Installation Costs
Solar costs vary, but the national average is around $2.56 per watt before incentives. The final price depends on system size, roof structure, and local rebates.
System Costs
Equipment: Solar panels, inverters, batteries (if needed), mounting hardware.
Installation: Labor, permitting, wiring, scaffolding (for roof installs).
Maintenance: Cleaning, periodic inspections, inverter replacements (every 15-20 years).
Funding Opportunities and Incentives
Federal Solar Tax Credit: Covers 30% of the total solar installation cost, including panels, inverters, labor, and permitting fees. This credit can be applied to both residential and commercial solar projects, including farms. It reduces the amount of federal income tax owed, helping farmers lower their upfront investment costs. The credit is currently available through 2032 before gradually decreasing.
*USDA REAP Grants: Provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. The program also offers loan guarantees that can cover up to 75% of costs. Farmers in rural areas with qualifying projects—such as solar installations, wind turbines, or energy-efficient irrigation—can apply. Grant amounts range from $2,500 to $1,000,000 for renewable energy systems.
The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)allows businesses to recover investments in certain tangible property, such as solar equipment, over a five-year cost recovery period through annual tax deductions. This significantly reduces the tax burden and accelerates the return on investment for solar projects.
*Some service providers will apply for REAP on your behalf, with the application cost included in their system and installation price.
Calculating Savings & Payback
Factors affecting return on investment (ROI) include:
System Cost: Varies based on size, equipment, and installation fees.
Electricity Rates: Higher local energy costs mean faster savings.
Incentives & Rebates: Programs like the federal solar tax credit reduce costs.
Example Calculation:
System Cost: $18,000
Tax Credit (30%): -$5,400
Net Cost: $12,600
Annual Savings: $1,800
Payback Period: 7 years
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Enter your operation’s monthly electrical bill to get an estimate on what size solar system you would need, associated costs, and financial incentives available.
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This 67-acre fourth-generation farm in Cochran, Georgia, grows seasonal vegetables and cut flowers on 3 no-till acres, and raises beef cattle, sheep, and goats. They use sustainable practices like rotational grazing, on-farm composting, drip irrigation, and OMRI-approved inputs, selling through local markets, restaurants, specialty stores, and an online farmstand.
In fall 2024, this South Georgia farm installed a 10kW ground-mount solar system to power parts of their operation. Click below to see what it cost, what incentives they used, and how it could apply to your farm.
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FEDERAL & STATE PROGRAMS:
USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) Offers grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy and efficiency projects on farms. Covers small/large solar systems.
INDUSTRY GUIDES:
Department of Energy – “Farmer’s Guide to Going Solar” + AgriSolar Clearinghouse – Offers guidance on design, agrivoltaics, grazing under panels, and co-location.
AGRIVOLTAICS RESOURCES:
“Farming + Solar: Agrivoltaics for Georgia” – GA state-level PDF detailing integration of solar with crops, farmland preservation, and potential lease income.
UGA Extension – agrivoltaics case studies – Examples like growing crops under panels for yield gains, water savings, and dual land use.
SOLAR PROVIDERS:
Photo courtesy of Vesterfield Farm in Cochran, GA
More and more farmers are investing in solar to power their farms. Read on and use our Solar Savings Calculator to see if it’s a smart fit for your operation.
This Solar Savings Toolkit was made possible by funding from the Climate Solutions & Equity Grant from Drawdown GA.