Agricultural Solar
At Northwest Solar we know the huge challenges that farmers must deal with on a day-to-day basis, and we are uniquely positioned to help you deal with some of those issues.
Agricultural Construction is where one of our owners got his start in construction many years ago. And that same owner’s brother-in-law is a full-time farmer today. (And yes we put a solar system on his farm) So we take extra special care when we work for farmers because if we didn’t do our absolute best, it could make for some awkward family get togethers.
We have a deep respect for farmers and there is no one out there in solar that understands the challenges faced by our farmer friends more than Northwest Solar. We also understand the potential benefits of being a farmer that wants to make the switch to clean energy. A switch that is not only good for the environment, but also good for the pocketbook. We know that you take care of this country by providing the food and essential products that we need. Let us return the favor by showing you how we can help you save on your power bill and at the same time turn your farm operation into a clean energy producer.
What do you get when you partner with Northwest Solar?
- You get a clean energy partner that will help you every step of the way
You can’t be an expert at everything even though at times it seems like you must be. The world is changing quickly and so is the way energy is produced and distributed. Let us be the experts that you rely on to help you navigate these changes in energy. Very few Solar companies are EPC solar companies. EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement and Construction. Most solar companies do only 1 or 2 of those things. We do them all and we do it so that we can control the quality of construction from start to finish.
- You get Guaranteed Performance
There are not a lot of guarantees in farming. But work with Northwest Solar and you get a 25-year Production Guarantee. Not just a 25-year warranty that says your solar panels will work. That would be easy. We give you a 25-Year Production Guarantee that says that 25 years from now your solar system will still be producing what we say it will. If it doesn’t, we will add to your system till it does…for free. If you think that sounds crazy for us to do; it’s not. That’s because we use the best design and modeling software to engineer a solar system that will produce what we say it will, guaranteed. We also use American made panels that are hands down better than the cheap, Chinese made solar panels that many companies use.
- Quality Installation
Northwest Solar has our own In-House Solar Installation Crews. They are employed by us, and all Crew Leaders are NABCEP Certified which means they have been trained and tested to meet the highest industry standards for solar design and installation.
- Industry Knowledge
Each individual utility works differently and the rules in each state are different as well. Northwest Solar works with you to navigate these regulations to ensure that you get the maximum return on investment. And we work with your accountant if needed, to help make sure that all avenues for tax credits, low-interest loans, and grants are explored to try and reduce the cost of your system and optimize your rate of return.
If these things matter to you then make Northwest Solar your Clean Energy Partner. We know farmers love predictability. And that is what Northwest Solar works every day to deliver; predictability, reliability, and superior performance. To learn more, schedule an appointment with one of our Solar Specialists to see if we can help deliver a brighter future for you and your family.
Cost of Adding Solar versus Buying Equipment
Making the best use of available resources is what farmers do best and if you decide to take your farm operation solar then there are resources out there to help you do that. In 2022, Farmers are eligible for the 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit for those that are installing solar. There are also USDA Reap funds that are available in the forms of grants up to 25% of the cost of the system and USDA Guaranteed loans for up to 75% of the cost of the system. There is also an IRS rule in place that gives farmers the ability to claim 100% depreciation of the solar system in the first year. Combine this with the savings of free electricity and you are talking about potentially a superior return on investment. Imagine paying off the system in 6-7 years with the savings from cutting your power bill. When the solar system is paid off, all that money that you were paying to the power company is now going to your bottom line.
Here is an example that just shows the tax credits and the USDA grant. It does not include all the other incentives available that can reduce the cost of a new solar system.
Tractor | Northwest Solar System | |
Purchase Price | $100,000 | $100,000 |
26% Federal Tax Credit | -$0 | -$26,000 |
USDA Grant | -$0 | -$25,000 |
Total Cost | $100,000 | $49,000 |
Other added benefits for farmers who add solar as part of the operations is
• 100% First Year Depreciation
• USDA Loan Guarantees up to 50% of solar system purchase price if combined with a 25% grant. 75% Loan Guarantees if no grant is utilized.
• Electricity production guaranteed for 25 years
As you can see, adding solar energy production to your farm operation is something that just makes sense. If you are ready to start saving some serious money, schedule an appointment with one of our Solar Specialists to learn more about how going solar might be right for you.
Farmers are many things; hard-working, innovative, and true to their word. And those are principles that guide Northwest Solar as well.