Solar for Farms: Powering Modern Agriculture in 2026

Agriculture is one of the highest-potential sectors for solar energy. With vast land availability and rising irrigation costs, farmers are turning to solar to lock in energy prices for decades.

1. USDA REAP Grants: The 50% Bonus

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants covering up to 50% of total project costs for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. When combined with the 30% tax credit, some farms can cover 80% of their investment via federal support.

2. Agrivoltaics: Dual-Use Land Management

Agrivoltaics involves installing solar panels at a height that allows for crop cultivation or livestock grazing underneath. This dual-use strategy maximizes land productivity and can even improve crop yields by providing shade.

3. Solar-Powered Irrigation

Irrigation is often the largest electricity expense for large-scale farms. Off-grid solar pumps and grid-interactive irrigation systems can reduce these operational costs by as much as 90% during peak growing seasons.