Agriculture

Save 30 to 70% On Your Farm Energy Costs By Using Solar Energy

Farmers across America are discovering that they can control the impact of soaring fuel costs with cost-effective solar thermal, solar electrical, and other energy reducing technologies.

They are slashing up to 70% of their energy cost by using solar and other alternatives to costly natural gas, propane, and utility provided electrical power.

The bottom line: these farmers know that the time to move to alternative energy is now. For systems installed before 2009, a federal solar tax credit returns 30% of the first cost of a solar system to you in the first year. In addition, 85% of the balance of the cost is depreciable in five years. State incentives may also apply, including grants, low interest loans, and “renewable energy credits.”

Did you know?

  • A gallon of fuel oil will raise the temperature of 100 gallons of water from 55 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. On a dairy farm, you can heat 300 to 400 gallons of water with that gallon of fuel by combining heat recovery from cow’s milk, capturing heat from refrigeration compressors, and using solar thermal collectors.
  • If you are planning to meet a need for electricity in locations more than 300 feet from a source of utility power, for small loads it can often be cheaper to install a solar power system .
  • Solar energy systems can also operate evaporative coolers.

Load leveling technologies, back-up systems for critical operations, special coatings to modify heat absorbing properties of buildings, residences – Capital Sun offers a range of additional energy and water conservation services that we identify with energy assessment audits. We can also help you find a lease or lease purchase agreement, apply for grants, or obtain a loan.