With rising energy costs becoming more common across the United States, more businesses are turning to sustainable solutions. More specifically, there has been a recent surge in interest in the farming industry for solar energy. Using the power of the sun, solar energy has solidified itself as the favorite alternative energy solution for farmers. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and saves them money in the long run. However, solar energy is not a perfect solution, especially in areas where access to adequate sunshine throughout the year is limited. This means that farmers who maintain solar energy systems need to know how to preserve solar energy. At Sun Farmer’s Group, we have a unique focus on helping America’s farmers access the benefits of solar energy. In this article, we will go over best practices on how to preserve solar energy.
7 Ways to Preserve Solar Energy
Before we dig too deep into the specifics on how to preserve solar energy, it’s important to understand what it means. In its simplest form, a solar energy system on a farm is going to produce energy based on a few factors, including the amount of adequate sunlight and the size of the system. When there are long periods of cloudy or inclement weather, the performance of the solar energy system will drop. During this time, it’s critical that farmers have preserved their energy usage during the optimal hours to make the most of the energy they have. Now that we’ve targeted why energy preservation is important, let’s look at some ways to do it.
- Solar energy storage. The most surefire way to have adequate energy on tap regardless of the conditions is to have a storage solution. The most common way for farmers to do this is through lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries. These systems store excess energy that is generated on the most productive days for later use. This way, you can run equipment on your backup storage when sunshine is limited without having to rely on expensive backup grid energy for electricity. As you probably guessed, batteries aren’t the only storage solution. We do a deeper dive on the different methods of storing solar energy in this article.
- Conduct regular energy audits on your farm. Oftentimes, it’s less about the actual energy and more about the equipment using it. This is why it’s important to do a regular energy audit on your farm. Check for everything from compromised or inadequate insulation, leaks, and broken equipment. Running through routine audits of everything that uses solar energy on your farm will help you identify problem areas so that you can make your energy usage more efficient.
- Update to energy efficient equipment. Aside from home appliances, there are new technologies in the industrial and agricultural space that can make your operation more energy efficient. Everything from processing equipment to refrigeration equipment technology being built with low energy consumption in mind. Although the upfront cost of replacing equipment can be expensive, the potential for cost savings and energy preservation are undeniable.
- Install smart irrigation systems. Most modern irrigation systems have app-enabled capabilities that can track weather patterns and other outside conditions. This allows the system to water crops more efficiently and reduces waste. Less run time on irrigation can translate to low energy consumption, helping you preserve precious solar energy throughout the year.
- Upgrade your lighting packages to LED. Traditional lighting can have a profound impact on energy consumption for any business. This is specifically true for intensive farming operations where lighting is critical. Upgrading your traditional lights to LED can help move the needle in the right direction for your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. That not only means a massive energy savings but a cost savings on replacement lighting.
- Maintain your solar energy operation. Once your solar energy system is installed, it’s up to you to make sure it’s properly maintained and functioning correctly. This includes keeping your solar panels clean and monitoring them using integrated software. These softwares can help farmers pinpoint potential problems areas and make repairs as needed. A poorly maintained solar energy system can negatively affect your energy preservation efforts.
- Stay educated. There are constant innovations and updates being made in agriculture and industry to make energy preservation easier and more accessible. Staying up to date on the latest technology and research will ensure you can implement new energy-saving techniques and technologies as soon as they are available.
Final Thoughts on How to Preserve Solar Energy
Preserving your solar energy can be the difference between maintaining cost-free electricity on your farm and having to rely on backup grid energy. Finding several ways to preserve small amounts of energy throughout the year can add up to a massive cost savings. As an added bonus, making the most of your solar energy and finding ways to preserve it greatly reduce that chance that you will have to switch to non-renewable resources, making your operation more sustainable and reducing your carbon footprint. That’s good for you. Good for the planet. And most importantly, good for the future of your farm.
The Sun Farmer’s Group Difference
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 of dairy farming 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!
