Running a farm or agribusiness means dealing with high electricity costs. Irrigation systems, processing equipment, and climate control all demand significant power. A properly installed solar system can dramatically reduce those expenses, but choosing the right system size is essential.
Key Takeaways:
- Check your last 12 months of power usage
- Add 10–15% for future growth
- Farms usually need 50–300 kW, depending on size
- Solar can cut energy costs by 70–90%
- Most systems pay for themselves in 4–7 years
Understanding your power needs
Every farm uses energy differently, so check your electricity bills from the past year and see when your usage is highest. Irrigation usually causes large spikes, while processing, cold storage, and climate-controlled buildings use steady power year-round.
Calculate your average monthly kWh use to set your baseline, then add 10-15% for future growth. This helps make sure your solar system can handle your current and future energy needs.
Assessing your available land
Solar panels need space, and farms usually have plenty. The best locations offer:
- Unshaded areas: Full sun exposure maximizes production
- Structural options: Barn roofs and equipment sheds provide excellent mounting surfaces
- Ground accessibility: Open fields work well for ground-mounted arrays
- Proximity to equipment: Keeping panels close to high-demand equipment reduces costs
One acre of ground-mounted solar panels can support approximately 600 kilowatts of installed capacity.
System sizing for different operations
Finding the right system size depends on your farm’s energy needs:
Small family farms (25–50 kW)
- Best for basic irrigation and small equipment
- Offsets 70–90% of electricity costs
- Annual production: 40,000–80,000 kWh
- Estimated savings: $4,000–$8,000 per year
- Payback: 5–7 years
Mid-size farms (75–150 kW)
- Best for bigger farms with more equipment and buildings
- May include battery backup for steady power
- Produces 120,000–240,000 kWh per year
- Saves $12,000–$24,000 annually
- Payback in 4–6 years
Large commercial farms (200+ kW)
- Suitable for packing facilities, cold storage, or processing plants
- Provides energy independence and big savings
- Annual production: 320,000+ kWh
- Estimated savings: $32,000+ per year
- Payback: 4–5 years
Financial benefits and ROI
Knowing the financial benefits makes it clear how fast solar can pay for itself:
- Florida offers strong incentives, including the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
- Accelerated depreciation helps farms earn positive cash flow within a few years
- Solar panels last over 25 years with little maintenance, giving decades of low-cost electricity
Adding battery backup
Battery storage improves your solar system by providing reliable power when you need it most:
- Keeps your farm running during outages
- Stores extra solar energy for use in the evening or during high-demand periods
- Lowers peak energy costs and ensures a consistent electricity supply
Working with solar panel experts
Sizing an agricultural solar system requires specialized knowledge. The right solar contractor understands farming operations and energy patterns unique to agriculture.
Choose a solar company with experience in farm installations. Tampa Bay Solar has completed many agricultural projects and understands irrigation needs, seasonal changes, and the challenges farms face.
Taking the next step
Rising electricity costs are cutting into farm profits, and solar is a smart way to lock in stable, long-term energy savings.
Contact Tampa Bay Solar for a consultation. We will evaluate your property and provide a clear plan outlining the system size, energy production, and expected savings. Solar is not just about being green; it is a smart way to secure reliable and affordable power for your farm.
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Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Plant City, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center
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