Solar for Agriculture
In the agricultural sector, energy costs are heavily influenced by global oil prices and often represent the largest overhead for farmers. Integrating solar energy could help. Solar for agriculture is a potential solution that includes using solar energy (i.e. sunlight) to assist with farming and agriculture. Together, they form an exclusive, mutually beneficial relationship.
Solahart Gold Coast is a trusted solar energy provider in South East Queensland with over 70 years of local experience installing solar solutions for Gold Coast homes and businesses.
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Why Solar Power for Agriculture Makes Sense
Rising energy costs and fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas present challenges that directly affect farmers and the agriculture industry at large.
With agricultural solar systems, you can cut energy costs, power water pumps, promote sustainability, and more. Solar power for agriculture puts you in control of your energy, so you no longer have to rely on the grid.
Key Benefits of Agricultural Solar Systems
Solar panels have many agricultural benefits:
- Cost savings on energy bills
- Improved water management
- Increased energy independence (less reliance on the grid)
- Power reliability for remote farms
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Long-term ROI
Solar-Powered Water Pumps and Irrigation Solutions
An agriculture solar pump uses solar panels to convert sunlight into usable electricity. This saves energy and eliminates the need for grid electricity or diesel-powered pumps. These pumping systems are especially reliable during droughts or grid outages.
A solar-powered water pump works in agriculture by capturing sunlight on solar panels and converting it into DC power. The direct current is sent to the pump inverter, which converts it into AC power suitable for the pump motor. Next, the pump draws water from the available water source (well, river, etc.).
Installing Solar Panels on Agricultural Land
Integrating solar with existing farmland is best achieved through agrivoltaics and maximising existing roof space. Agrivoltaics refers to dual-use farming, which essentially combines solar panels and agriculture into a win-win scenario where they work together.
In Queensland, where sunshine is abundant, solar panels can be installed on agricultural land as well as mounted on rooftops. Ground-mounted systems should be placed on lower-quality land and avoid high-grade agricultural land to curtail conflict with food production.
Solar Savings Made Simple
You can also fill in the details of your latest bill and we’ll find out if there’s a system that can reduce your power bill to zero, or even give you money back!
Government Incentives and Farm Solar Rebates
There are several government incentives and rebates available for farmers who hope to upgrade to a solar PV system. The federal government offers the “Cheaper Home Batteries Program” for eligible battery systems between 5–100 kWh.
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides STCs that can be sold to create an upfront discount on eligible systems up to 100 kW.
For Queensland-based farms, the Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) rebates scheme gives eligible small and medium-sized Queensland businesses 50% off purchase and installation costs (GST exclusive) to install energy-efficient equipment.
For more advice tailored to your specific situation, reach out to Solahart for a consultation.
Why Choose Solahart Gold Coast for Agricultural Solar?
Solahart provides CEC-accredited commercial solar services for farms and businesses in South East QLD. We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and bring over 70 years of experience and expertise in the solar energy sector.
Many of our solar systems come with an industry-leading 30-year warranty that covers both the products we use and the installation service we provide.
Have any questions? Contact us for more information.
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COMMERCIAL LEASING OPTIONS WITH LONG-TERM LOW COST FINANCE
- Finance can be arranged over longer terms, at a lower cost and with no upfront cash investment.
- Energy cost savings typically exceed the monthly finance payments, providing an immediate cash flow benefit.
- Customers can choose from a range of equipment finance options, to suit their business needs and accounting requirements.
Get a Free On-Farm Solar Assessment
Are you ready to cut energy costs and make your farm more sustainable? Solahart makes switching to solar easy! Give us a call at (07) 5576 7766 or fill out our Enquire Now form to get your free, on-farm solar assessment.
