Byron Kominek is a former diplomat who served as a Peace Corps volunteer. He grew-up on a 24-acre Rocky Mountain family farm. He decided to use solar power to farm the farm after it failed to make a profit. He set up 3,200 solar cells on his farm. They were mounted on 8 foot posts.
Cost
Costs of solar panel farming are often determined by how large the array is and where the panels are located. Some solar farms are situated on existing structures. They are located close to electrical lines and panels. A water supply is also required for solar farms to maintain efficiency and keep them clean. The process of building and constructing a solar plant can take between 3 to 5 years.
As the world is freed from global lockdown, solar components are in high demand. However, the supply of solar components remains limited. This is the biggest challenge facing the utility solar industry. Industry analysts believe that current bottlenecks cannot be overcome within the next 12 mois. This could result in lower margins for developers, and higher offtake costs for offtakers.
Land value
The land available for solar panel farming is increasingly valuable. California is a hot spot for solar panels. The average land price is over $1,000 per acre. However, land prices can vary from one state to the next. Arizona's non-irrigated land may be worth more than Arizona's row cropland. Due to incentivization, solar rights in Massachusetts are valued higher than other states.
You should find flat land, free of ponds and streams, if you're considering a utility-scale farm. It should be located adjacent to a road. Be aware: A utility-scale solar farm will require a long-term lease.
Conservation values
Solar panel farming can be used to enhance wildlife habitat and agricultural productivity. You should not place solar facilities in disturbed areas. Solar farms can also be placed on abandoned mine lands or parking lots. They can be used for years to provide clean energy as well as other environmental benefits.
To promote biodiversity and pollinators, solar farmers should plant native plants in zones adjacent to their solar panels and surrounding areas. Because solar panels can sometimes reach up to 18 inches high, it's not recommended that tall grasses or plants with low tolerances for shade be planted. The cultivation and maintenance of pollinator habitat is essential to solar panel farming. In order to preserve pollinators, solar farmers should cooperate with local communities.
Profitability
There are many things to consider when determining the profitability of solar panel farming. The most important is where you live. The best location should receive the maximum amount of sunlight. You will also need space for maintenance and easy access to your panels. The land should be located in an area that has a high demand of solar electricity.
One of the main benefits of solar panel farming is that it can significantly reduce energy costs. This is especially useful for farmers with low productivity land. Also, solar panel agriculture can generate a consistent income stream that is more reliable than cash crops.