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At the University of Delaware, an on-site dairy farm is not only an educational resource for agricultural students, but a shining example of the value solar electric systems can bring to small farmers. 44 solar panels are part of a 9.2-kw system. Tom Sims, an environmental science professor and deputy dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, told the UD Daily that the goal of the system “is to develop a sustainable dairy that not only uses solar energy to help operate its equipment but to demonstrate it is doable and practical”. While the farm has made forays into sustainability in the past, this is its first venture into renewable energy.
Dairy farms, with their high electric use (think milking machines, lighting, cooling, heating, fans, etc.) and these days narrow or non-existant profit margins are great candidates for solar if the financing can be made to work. By reducing or eliminating a constantly fluctuating electric bill, farmers can better predict their cash flow over the year, not to mention see more cash in their pockets. Because solar is such a significant investment, third party financing arrangements like leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) can be very appealing in situations where farmers may not have the cash or equity to outright purchase or finance solar on their own. For more on PPAs and the values of commercial solar systems, check out our free whitepaper on the subject (PDF).
