Solar swipe: News, Eduction
How to use this swipe: Blog Post, Newsletter
Expert notes: Use this for larger commercial audiences or farmers. Great for getting landowners thinking about how much space it would take to save money with solar.
Give easy to understand perspectives (10 kW of solar = 3 parking spots/Small garage). This kind of perspective can be really powerful in buyer psychology. It helps break down technical or intimidating information into chunks that are easier to digest. When people can easily visualize and relate to what you’re explaining, they’re more likely to feel comfortable with the idea, and that comfort can be a big step towards making a purchase decision.
Savings 1000’s of dollars with solar requires virtually no space -and saves water
Do you know how small a 10 kW solar system is?
A cool blend of farming and solar technology, known as agrivoltaics, is taking the country by storm. Here’s the lowdown on how solar is becoming America’s newest cash crop.
Sunny Stats:
- Agrivoltaic Power: The U.S. currently boasts about 2.8 GW of agrivoltaic sites. That’s a lot of solar panels sharing space with crops and livestock!
- Growing Every Week: More and more of these projects are popping up, showing that solar and agriculture are best buds.
A Better Bottom Line:
- Cost Cutter: Solar arrays, especially those owned by the landowner, can slash farm electricity bills. A 10 kilowatt (kW) solar system saves an average farm $1,880 per year, and more intensive operations up to $4,000 a year.
- Perspective: A 10 kW solar system, requires about 600 sq ft of space. That’s roughly the size of a two-car garage, making it a feasible option for many landowners without demanding too much valuable land.
- Lease and Ease: Farmers can lease land to solar projects, securing a steady, passive income. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but with solar panels and sheep!
Co-location Benefits:
- Cool Crops: Solar panels provide much-needed shade, which can lead to bumper crop yields. Think of it as natural umbrellas for plants.
- Thriving in the Shade: Certain crops like strawberries and blueberries just love the reduced light. Cherry tomatoes even doubled their production under solar panels!
Water Wise:
- Shade Saves Water: Those solar panels are not just for show; they help in reducing water evaporation. Less water loss means more water for what matters.
- Floating Solar Farms: Get this – solar panels floating on reservoirs! This could save billions of gallons of water annually.
Agricultural communities across America, from tomato fields in the Central Valley to ranches in the Great Plains, are embracing solar to cut costs and boost production. As agrivoltaics gains momentum, farmers are set to play a crucial role in both feeding and powering the nation. It’s like the farming world is getting a sunny upgrade! 🌞🚜🌱
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