Solar energy has been a hot-button topic over the past decades, especially in the residential, business-to-consumer space. It’s no secret that the rising cost of energy around the world has forced many businesses and homeowners to look into alternative energy. So, why is solar energy a viable alternative energy resource? At Sun Farmer’s Group, we know the ins and outs of solar energy and what makes it a great option for any business. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of solar energy and why we think it will go from an alternative energy resource to the standard choice for business and residential power in the future.
You Can Save Money With Solar Energy
Let’s start off with some really good news. Solar energy can save you or your business lots of money over the years. Although the upfront costs can be significant, a loan payment shields you from the volatile nature of energy costs. Additionally, once the loan is paid off, you can enjoy running your business or home without that pesky energy bill in the mail every month. Overtime, especially after 10 to 20 years, you begin to save more money thanks to your investment in solar. Whether you put more money into your pocket or reinvest the extra capital into your business, that’s a solid win for you.
Solar Energy Has Environmental Benefits
This is probably where most people start on the topic of solar energy. Clearly, using solar energy can significantly reduce or eliminate your needs for fossil fuels to run your business or home. Since gas and coal are non-renewable resources, each solar system that is installed is one step closer toward a more sustainable future and healthy planet. Below are a couple of other environmental benefits of solar energy.
- It reduces water waste. Mining and production of coal and other non-renewable energy sources can use a tremendous amount of water throughout the process. Manufacturing solar panels uses a fraction of the water. Additionally, once installed, solar panels require zero water to function properly.
- It reduces emissions. Solar energy produces zero emissions during its generation process. The same cannot be said for traditional fossil fuels which have an expanding carbon footprint during their entire life cycle.
- It helps sustain what we have on the planet. In an industrial era where we have increasingly limited access to precious resources, solar energy can help sustain what resources we do have as technology continues to advance and our reliance on non-renewable resources continues to diminish.
Solar Energy Is Accessible & Scalable
Perhaps one of the most significant advancements in solar energy is its accessibility. Now more than ever, there are an abundance of solar installers across the United States. This means that there are more businesses and homeowners using solar than ever before. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that “annual renewable power generation surpassed nuclear generation for the first time in 2021 and coal generation for the first time in 2022.” Furthermore, the accessibility of solar is matched only by its scalability. Whether you have a one-bedroom home or a massive industrial park, solar energy can easily scale up or down depending on your project. This dispels the myths that solar energy is only a viable solution for smaller residential projects and off-grid living. Now, large businesses and industrial players can get in on the energy savings.
Sustainability Government Incentives & Grants
The aforementioned startup costs for solar have always been a barrier to entry. As the story goes, the solar energy salesperson pitches the energy savings. It all sounds good, but the astronomical upfront costs make it impossible to get in on the ground floor. The worst part is you have to wait decades to recover those costs. This is where both state and federal grants have made solar financially viable for many folks who simply couldn’t afford it in the past, especially America’s agricultural sector. REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) is a federal loan and financing grant awarded to agricultural producers and rural small business owners. This federal program is intended to help farmers invest in energy-efficient systems by removing costly obstacles. REAP recipients are awarded a percentage of the total project cost for EEI and RES projects. Some sustainable projects can qualify for up to $1 million in federal grant money. In many large-scale agricultural projects, this covers over half of the total cost. Below are other REAP eligible projects to keep in mind.
- Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).
- Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
- Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
- Hydrogen.
- Small and large wind generation.
- Small and large solar generation.
- Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.
- High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
- Insulation.
- Lighting.
- Cooling or refrigeration units.
- Doors and windows.
- Electric, solar, or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
- Switching from a diesel to an electric irrigation motor.
- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Final Thoughts on Why Solar Energy Is a Viable Alternative Energy Resource
Solar energy may have had a rough start and a bit of a public relations issue. It was expensive to get started and it took too long to see any real return on investment. However, with the increase in available government programs, accessibility, and endless environmental benefits, solar energy has never been a more viable alternative energy resource. Solar energy is the future for businesses, homes, and industry and will be the standard choice for power before long.
Sun Farmer’s Group Turnkey Solution
Sun Farmer’s Group is the first true turnkey solution for agricultural solar energy. Our proprietary program has brought all of the in-house expertise to the table in grant writing, financing, tax credit monetization, installation, and so much more. Unlike other companies, Sun Farmer’s Group empowers farmers with a no-money down solution that greatly reduces and eventually eliminates your power bill altogether. The future is as bright as the sun, and we’ll help you turn it into power!
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to learn more about how Sun Farmer’s Group can help you put more money in your pocket, call 877-417-3222 today!
