Rural and agricultural solar energy can provide practical solutions for folks in rural areas just as much as somebody living in the city or the suburbs. While most farm owners know the value of doing things the old way, solar energy provides new thinking with old values. By producing your own energy, you’re able to move closer to energy independence. That means you’re one step closer to owning your energy bill instead of renting from the power company.
Agricultural
Farm​ Solar Incentives at a Glance
Solar panel installation incentives are available and better than ever. You can recoup a portion of your installation price by taking advantage of the available incentives for your home. On top of all of these incentives, of course, is reducing your energy bill substantially.
Benefits of Solar for Your Farm
Farms are looking for ways to lower their energy bills and create sustainability for future generations.​ More and more, we’re seeing consumer-based activism by voting with the dollar. If you aren’t one of the first farms in the area to go solar, make sure you aren’t one of the last! Solar is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your farm’s dedication to a brighter future.
National Incentives
Federal – The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has been increased from 26% to 30% with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.​​
REAP Grants (Agricultural) – Agricultural producers and rural small businesses can apply for USDA REAP Grants that cover up to 50% of solar project costs
MACRS Depreciation – That’s right! You can claim depreciation on your solar energy installation. To find out more, click this sentence to read SEIA’s article on claiming depreciation.
State Incentives
Illinois – The Illinois Shines program provides incentives based on system size. In our experience, these incentives return roughly 40% of system cost back to the customer. ​
Missouri – Ameren Missouri offers a $0.25 per watt rebate. A 10 kW residential system would receive $2500, and a larger 100kW commercial system would receive $25,000. This rebate is set to expire December 31st, 2022.
Types of Agricultural and Rural Solar Panel Installations
Pitched Roof Mount Solar Array
150kW
If your building has a pitched roof that doesn’t face east or west, we ensure you get the proper system production by optimizing the directional face of the solar panels.
Ground Mount Solar Panel Array
68.6kW
The ground mount allows you to get the best exposure out of your system by controlling the pitch and face of your solar panels.
Pitched Roof Mount Solar Array
15.3kW
This pitched roof system is the most typical mount for agricultural solar. The panels are flush with the roof, meeting the customer’s production needs without adjusting the direction or location of the solar panel array.
