Byron Kominek is a former diplomat who served as a Peace Corps volunteer. He grew-up on a 24-acre Rocky Mountain family farm. His farm was struggling to make profits so he decided to venture into solar farming. He set up 3,200 solar cells on his farm. They were mounted on 8 foot posts.
Cost
The size of the array as well as the location of the panels will affect the costs of solar panel farming. Some solar farms can be found on existing structures. They are located close to electrical lines and panels. Solar farms also need a water source to keep the panels clean and maintain their efficiency. A solar farm is usually built and permitted within 3-5 years.
As the world is freed from global lockdown, solar components are in high demand. But supply remains constrained. This is the biggest challenge facing the utility solar industry. According to industry analysts the current bottlenecks won't be resolved in the next 12 months. This could impact developers' margins as well as offtake prices.
Land value
The value of land for solar panel farming is increasing dramatically. California is one of the most popular states for solar panels. Its land value is more than $1,000 an acre. However, land prices can vary from one state to the next. For example, non-irrigated land in Arizona might be worth less than row cropland in the same state. In Massachusetts, solar rights are valued at a higher level than those of other states due to incentivization.
Locate flat, undeveloped land if you want to build a utility-scale solar farm. The land should be adjacent to a road. But beware: a utility-scale solar farm requires a long-term lease.
Conservation values
Solar panel farming is known for its conservation value, which includes the enhancement and production of both wildlife habitats as well as agricultural production. Other land development should not be disturbed when solar panels are placed. Solar farms can be placed on rooftops or parking lots, or even on land that was once mined. Solar farms can thus provide clean energy for decades, as well as other environmental benefits.
Solar farmers should plant native plants near their panels. 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. Find a place that has the greatest amount of sun. You also need to have space for maintenance and access to the panels. The land should be located in an area that has a high demand of solar electricity.
One of the biggest benefits of solar panel agriculture is its ability to significantly lower energy costs. This is particularly important for farmers who have limited land productivity. A solar panel farm can also provide a reliable income stream that is better than cash crops.