Solar Shines on US Farms as Wind Power Slows

• Solar installations on US farms have surged by 30% in the past five years, outpacing wind turbine growth. President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and rural energy grid challenges fuel further expansion.

Solar installations on US farms have increased by 30% in the past five years, according to the latest US Census of Agriculture. The number of farms with solar panels rose to 116,758 in 2022, compared to 90,142 in 2017. In contrast, wind turbine installations only grew by 2.7% during the same period, reaching 14,511 farms. The slower growth in wind power follows a 56% increase in the previous census. President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act has provided incentives for both solar and wind energy, and the inconsistent energy grids in rural areas offer opportunities for further growth.

The demand for renewable energy has also supported farmland values, as landowners seek to profit from the transition to clean energy. However, the number of methane digesters, used by livestock operations to capture greenhouse gases, decreased from 686 farms in 2017 to 680 farms in 2022. The census also revealed that farmers are, on average, getting older while the size of their operations continues to increase.

What factors have contributed to the significant increase in solar installations on US farms?

• Government incentives provided by President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act have played a significant role in the increase of solar installations on US farms.
• The inconsistent energy grids in rural areas have created opportunities for solar installations, as farmers seek to have a reliable and independent source of energy.
• The demand for renewable energy has led to an increase in farmland values, as landowners see the potential for profit in transitioning to clean energy.
• Solar energy has experienced faster growth compared to wind power, with solar installations on farms increasing by 30% in the past five years, while wind turbine installations only grew by 2.7% during the same period.
• The slower growth in wind power installations may be attributed to the significant increase in the previous census, which saw a 56% growth.
• The decrease in the number of methane digesters on farms indicates a shift in focus towards solar energy, as farmers prioritize capturing and utilizing solar power over capturing greenhouse gases.
• The average age of farmers is increasing, while the size of their operations continues to grow. This suggests that farmers are recognizing the benefits of solar energy and are investing in larger-scale installations to meet their energy needs.