Solar Energy
The declining cost of solar equipment and installation makes solar electric systems enticing for many farms.
Solar Growth in Ohio
In 2009, Ohio had 14 solar projects certified with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, growing to more than 2,697 projects representing 210 megawatts (MW) of capacity in June 2019.
Informative Resources
Learn about benefits of and considerations for solar energy through the links below.
Fact Sheets & Studies
An Introduction to On-Farm Solar Electric Systems
A general information resource on renewable energy policy drivers, photovoltaic (PV) solar technology, on-farm applications, and considerations and references to guide the decision-making process for solar adoption. (Ohio State University Extension)
Farmland Owner's Guide to Solar Leasing
A detailed guide to help farmland owners understand solar energy development and the solar energy leasing process. (Ohio State University Extension)
On-Farm Solar Electric System Safety
An information resource to help farmers understand how PV solar systems operate and how to develop an emergency response plan for PV systems installed on their farms. (Ohio State University Extension)
Guide to Farming Friendly Solar
A general guide on considerations for on-farm solar energy. (University of Vermont Extension)
Worksheets & Tools
Solar Electric Investment Analysis Bulletin Series
A six-part series of guides to help farmers with the decision-making process to determine if on-farm solar is right for them. (Ohio State University Extension)
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Part 1: Estimating System Production
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Part 2: Assessing System Cost
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Part 3: Forecasting the Value of Electricity
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Part 4: Understanding Incentives
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Part 5: Conducting a Financial Analysis
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Part 6: PV Solar Example
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Combined Solar Electric Investment Analysis series in a single document (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program)
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Solar Electric Investment Analysis Webinars for the six-part series (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program)
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The Farmland Owner’s Solar Leasing Checklist
A list of important considerations, people to consult, and questions to ask before and after signing a lease for a solar project (Ohio State University Extension).
Estimating the Size of Your Solar Electric System
A summary of calculations and considerations (including worksheets) for sizing a farm solar energy system. (Ohio State University Extension)
PVWatts® Calculator
A tool that calculates hourly or monthly solar energy production based on general input such as location and solar system size. (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
Maps & Geographic Information
State Solar Maps
These maps provide average daily total solar resource information per state (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
Interactive Map of Ohio Solar Installers and Farm Projects
Coming Soon!
Costs & Financing
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
An online database of various financial incentives available for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Ohio. (NC Clean Energy Technology Center)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives
Another online database of energy financial incentives, searchable by Ohio county and utility provider. (Ohio State University Extension)
USDA Farm Loan Programs
An information resource about farm loan programs. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency)
U.S. Department of Energy Guides to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics for Homeowners and Commercial Businesses
Federal guidelines for tax credits on solar energy investments for homeowners and commercial businesses. (U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office)
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants, Ohio Office
An information resource about REAP, which focuses on renewable energy and energy efficiency in rural businesses. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development)
Other Resources
Get information from your local extension educator. Talk to the OSU Extension educator for your area about solar energy considerations, available resources, and potential installers. Contact potential installers. If you decide to move forward with exploring a solar project on your farm, contact reputable installers and collect quotes for your project. Find installers at Green Energy Ohio, or Solar Reviews.