Photovoltaics for Farmers and Ranchers
Photovoltaic power can be used to pump water for livestock.
The following resources will provide you with more information on the uses of photovoltaic (PV) systems on farms and ranches, as well as guides to buying and installing a system. If you are unfamiliar with this technology, see the introduction to photovoltaic (solar cell) systems.
Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.
General Information
Electricity When and Where You Need It from the Sun: Photovoltaics for Farms and Ranches (PDF 5.9 MB).
A Consumer's Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun (PDF 763 KB)
U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Outdoor Solar Lighting
Basic information about purchasing and using outdoor solar lighting.
U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Small Solar Electric Systems
Basic information about small photovoltaic systems for homes.
U.S. Department of Energy Million Solar Roofs Initiative
Find out how to register your installation as one of the million solar roofs.
Harvesting Clean Energy
Features information on renewable energy technologies, like PV, for rural landowners, including farms, ranches, and communities in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
CADDET: Energy-Efficient Farming and Forestry in Norway
Explains a farm's use of biomass energy, hydroelectric power, and solar energy to significantly reduce energy costs.
Evaluation Tools
NREL Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors
Allows you to find out the average, minimum, and maximum amount of solar energy available at your location, by month or for the entire year.
FindSolar.com
Estimate the price, savings, and size of a solar power system in your location.
Training and Workshops
Solar Energy International
Features information about its hands-on workshops and online courses in solar building technologies.
Financing
U.S. Department of Agriculture 2002 Farm Bill: Section 9006
A grant and loan program to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
U.S. Department of Energy Financial Opportunities
Offers financial assistance opportunities for the development and demonstration of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
The Borrowers Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems (PDF 501 KB)
