Solar solutions promoted for farms

    Colorado State University’s Rural Energy Center is offering free economic feasibility assessments for Colorado farms interested in learning their cost benefit for use of solar energy.
    The Farm Assessments for Solar Energy program provides estimates of initial costs, ongoing costs, tax implications, energy savings and incentives, as well as a detailed cash flow analysis that producers can use to make a decision about whether or not to pursue solar.
    The Center has already conducted feasibility assessments for 30 irrigated farms and 10 feedlots, and has just expanded the program to greenhouses and dairies as well. Results from recent assessments are promising, as the average on-farm solar array would have a 7 percent return on investment and only three years of negative cash flow on a cumulative basis.
    Solar arrays could be installed on buildings, open space or even as shade structures. The solar arrays being evaluated would tie into the grid and be used to offset the electricity costs of pumping water, lighting, ventilation and other agricultural uses.

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