Solar Power for Farmers
Solar Makes Sense for Farms
Are high utility bills eating into your hard work? Keeping your farm running takes a tremendous amount of energy, from storing and transferring grain and keeping animals safe and warm to powering your own home. And in times of high inflation, dollars that could have been used elsewhere are now being siphoned into the simple act of keeping the lights on.
As a farmer, you understand the power of the sun better than any other group of people. But the sun is much more than just an energy source for your crops — it can power your home, barn, and silos too while lowering the amount you pay for electricity. Locally owned and operated, Illinois Solar Services is committed to finding the right solar solution for your farm. Using your existing bill as a reference, our team will survey your property and determine the system — be it roof or ground mounted — that will offset your current energy usage by 100% or more. Plus, many opportunities using state and federal grants, incentives, credits, and rebates can minimize your initial investment costs
Benefits of Solar
Cost Savings. Solar is now significantly cheaper than buying power from the grid in Illinois. In times of high inflation, reducing your operating costs any way you can is a wise choice.
Return on Investment. Consider the transition an investment rather than a return. The ROI you’ll get is greater than most other investments in terms of the money you’ll save over the years.
Future Costs Control. Predicting costs is always difficult, but when you consider the high inflationary rates and supply chain issues, the Illinois power grid won’t be more affordable any time soon.
High Dependability & Low Maintenance. With our 30-year warranty covering panels, microinverters, and installation, you don’t have to worry about what to do if something goes wrong. We go further than just the manufacturer’s warranty!
Financial Incentives
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC)
- 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit
- 10% Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus
- Must be located in a designated energy community to qualify
- 10% Domestic Content Bonus Credit
- 50% or more of the project must be U.S. manufactured to qualify
- 5-year MACRS depreciation
- Illinois 10-Year Straight Line Depreciation
There’s never been a better time to go solar. With these incredible incentives, expect to get 50% off your total solar project investment! While there are stipulations to some of these incentives, we’re proud to share that we proudly use U.S. manufactured parts for our solar systems as well as pay our union installers prevailing wages.
Funding is limited, and when the money runs out, it’s gone. Don’t wait — now is the best time to add a solar array to your farm/business!
Agricultural FAQ – IL Solar
- Why should farms consider solar power?
Farms are high-energy operations, and utility bills can quickly cut into profits — especially during times of inflation. Solar energy can dramatically reduce or even eliminate electricity costs while providing a long-term return on investment. It’s a smart way to take control of future energy expenses and reinvest savings back into your farm.
- What types of solar setups are suitable for agriculture?
Both roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems can work well for agricultural operations, depending on your property layout, energy usage, and available space.
- Where should the panels go on my farm?
Panels can be installed on barn roofs, machine sheds, homes, or mounted on open land that’s not actively used for crops or livestock. Our team surveys your property and energy usage to determine the ideal setup.
- Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
Not at all. Solar systems are low maintenance and extremely dependable. Plus, Illinois Solar Services offers a 30-year warranty that covers panels, microinverters, and installation, going beyond standard manufacturer warranties.
- What happens when the sun isn’t shining?
Solar panels still generate some electricity on cloudy days. Any excess power generated during sunny days can be credited to your account through net metering, offsetting your usage at night or during low-light days.
- Can I use solar power for irrigation systems or water pumping?
Absolutely. Many farms use solar to power pumps, irrigation systems, and grain storage. If it runs on electricity, it can likely be powered by your solar setup.
- What permits do I need for a farm solar installation?
Permits vary by county and utility provider. Illinois Solar Services handles all permitting and utility approvals as part of your project.
- Will installing solar affect my farm’s eligibility for other USDA programs?
In most cases USDA programs support or provide grants for renewable energy installations on farms.
- How much land is needed to install solar panels on my farm?
A typical ground-mounted 100 kW system (enough for many farms) takes about ½ to 1 acre of land. The actual space required depends on energy needs and system design.
- I lease my farmland. Can I still install ground-mounted solar PV?
It may be possible with landowner approval and proper agreements in place. If you’re leasing, we recommend discussing solar plans early with your landlord.