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 installed 3,200 solar panels, mounted on 8-foot posts, on his farm.
Prices
The cost of solar panel farming is often determined by the size of an array and the location. Some solar farms are situated on existing structures. They can also be found near power lines and electrical panels. Solar farms need water to keep their panels clean and operate efficiently. Permitting and building a solar farm can take 3-5 years.
The demand for solar parts is increasing as the world breaks free from its lockdown. But the supply is limited. As a result, the utility solar industry is facing its biggest challenge yet. According to industry experts, the current bottlenecks in the solar industry are unlikely to be fixed within the next twelve months. This could lead to lower profit margins for developers as well as higher offtake prices.
Land value
The value of land for solar panel farming is increasing dramatically. California is a hot spot for solar panels. The average land price is over $1,000 per acre. The price of land can differ from one state to another. For example, non-irrigated land in Arizona might be worth less than row cropland in the same state. In Massachusetts, solar rights have a higher value than those in other states because of incentivization.
If you are considering a utility-scale solar farm, find land that is flat and free from ponds or streams. It should be located adjacent to a road. However, a utility-scale farm requiring solar energy requires a long-term rental agreement.
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. This way, they can provide clean energy and other environmental benefits for decades.
Solar farmers should plant native plants near their panels. Some solar panels may stand up to 18 inches above the ground, so tall grasses and other plants with low tolerance for shade would be out of place. 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
You have many factors to consider when determining whether solar panel farming is financially viable. Location is the most important factor. The best location should receive the maximum amount of sunlight. Access to the panels and space for maintenance are also important. The land should be located in an area that has a high demand of solar electricity.
Solar panel farming has one of the greatest benefits: it can dramatically reduce energy costs. This is especially useful for farmers with low productivity land. A solar panel farm can also provide a reliable income stream that is better than cash crops.