Can rural solar power generation make money

How can farmers benefit from solar energy?

Farmers can benefit from solar energy in several ways—by leasing farmland for solar; installing a solar system on a house, barn, or other building; or through agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics is defined as agriculture, such as crop production, livestock grazing, and pollinator habitat, located underneath solar panels and/or between rows of solar panels.

Will agricultural land be used for solar energy?

Agricultural land in the U.S. has the technical potential to provide 27 terawatts of solar energy capacity. This is a quarter of the total U.S. solar energy capacity of 115 TW. Only 0.3% of farmland is expected to be used for solar energy by 2035. Will using land for solar panels drive up the price of food?

Is solar energy a good option for rural landowners?

Solar energy generation is an attractive option for rural landowners due to its ease of implementation and scalability. Unlike wind or hydro projects, solar farms can usually be set up quickly and are less reliant on specific geographical conditions.

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.

How much is the rural energy for America program worth?

The U.S. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has quadrupled to more than $2 billion as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Are solar farms a good investment?

Solar farms offer substantial long-term savings. Landowners can significantly reduce their energy bills by generating their electricity from the sun. This is particularly advantageous for farming businesses with high energy demands.