Solar power generation on the roof of the farm

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.

How does a solar farm work?

As with rooftop solar, the power generated from solar panels on a solar farm is channeled into the utility grid to produce electricity for all utility customers. Consumers who have purchased panels on a solar farm get paid for that power their panels produce, which helps offset energy bills while decreasing utility reliance on fossil fuels.

Should you choose a solar farm or a rooftop solar system?

The Takeaway: Solar farms don’t further energy independence, so if that’s important to you, rooftop solar should be your top choice. The Brattle Group released a study that determined that large-scale solar farms optimized to transmit electricity directly to the grid are more cost-effective than rooftop solar panels in the long run.

What is a rooftop solar energy system?

Rooftop solar energy systems produce power locally, keeping power production and the economic opportunities that solar energy generates within the community. SETO funds research that helps maximize the value of rooftop solar systems for their owners.

Should you invest in a solar tower farm or a rooftop array?

If you care about energy independence or simply don’t want to take up additional land to generate clean energy, a rooftop array will be a good fit for your needs. However, if you prefer lower costs, less maintenance, and cleaner home aesthetics, investing in a remote solar tower farm is probably the better choice.

How does rooftop solar power work?

Rooftop solar power is harnessed and generated using photovoltaic panels that are installed on the rooftops of individual homes. In most instances, homes with rooftop solar don’t use all of the energy generated by the panels.