Learn How 6 GA Farms Reap $303,193 in USDA Grants and Solar Tax Credits Before Saving 70% on Monthly Operating Expenses
American farmers have suffered some of the greatest losses as a result of high fuel and electric costs since before the recession even. With the resurgence of farm-to-table living, organic produce and locally sourced food, the demand for their toils has never been greater. Committed to the land and delivering its bounty to our tables, it’s time the tide changed in favor for the American farmer.
Bonus: Learn more about dealing with the renewable fuel standard.
Solar Energy Saves Farms
The agriculture industry remains the greatest-poised to take advantage of the financial benefits of the ongoing solar energy movement. This year alone, the USDA announced nearly $1.9 million in USDA grants for farmers to make their move to solar power. With numerous tax credits (at the state and federal level) and USDA REAP grants available, farmers are now able to offset their solar conversion costs by 50% or more. By reducing dependency on electricity by up to 70%, most of these farmers are seeing full cost recovery in just a few years time. Once farmers have converted to solar energy, their savings on utility bills is considerable allowing rural businesses to move out of the red, in many cases, for the first time in years.
“Solar power is not a new initiative for farmers. We’ve been leading the U.S. in solar energy installations at poultry farms for the past five years,” said Clay Sikes, CEO of Ag Solar Solutions. “The benefits in financial savings are significant for farmers. We had 6 of our customers receive REAP grants to cover 25% of their costs this past year, increasing their return on investment by thousands. We want to get the facts out to the other farmers in the Southeast about the financial benefits available to them when investing in solar.”
Photo Credit: Mike Croft of Ag Solar Solutions and Chad Hicks of CKT Farms, LLC
Six Georgia Farms Move Ahead With Solar
This year, Ag Solar Solutions was proud to help six more Georgia farmers move forward with solar. Each of these extraordinary agriculture businesses received a USDA REAP grant covering 25% of their solar investment costs, along with another 30% federal solar tax credit:
- Durrence Farms in Collins, GA installed a new 20 kW PV solar solution for their two broiler houses.
- Halter Farms in Collins, GA installed a new 36 kW PV solar solution for their four broiler houses.
- CKT Farms, LLC in Collins, GA installed a new 60.1 kW PV solar installation for their six broiler houses.
- Hicks Farms LLC in Collins, GA installed a new 70 kW PV solar solution for their three breeder houses.
- Tootle Farms in Reidsville, GA installed a new 80 kW PV solar solution for their eight broiler houses.
- Winton Kennedy in Glennville, GA installed a new 20kW PV solar solution for their two broiler houses.
If you are an American farmer struggling with high fuel and electric costs, this is the best time to explore your options in renewable energy. Get a fast quote!
Read more on USDA REAP incentives to help farmers cut costs with solar energy:
USDA Announces 26 Recipients for Nearly $1.9 Million in USDA Grants This Year.
