We’re reveling in the throes of hazy summer days, and the arrival of the sunshine may have got you thinking about the prospect of switching to solar power. For many farmers, the cost of electricity is becoming increasingly unaffordable, so is it time to make that change? Here are some pros and cons of solar power to help you decide.

The pros

Saving money

Saving money is a priority for most people, regardless of their occupation. In the last few years, the cost of running a home or business has increased significantly, and it’s not uncommon to spend more on electricity than you do on a mortgage. If you’re keen to bring running costs down, targeting these bills is a great place to start. Most farms utilize energy-intensive machinery, and it’s not always possible to reduce usage. If you can’t cut spending by decreasing the amount of energy you use, you have to look for alternative routes and embracing renewables could be the solution. You’ll probably have to pay a considerable sum to have solar panels installed, but once this been done, you’ll start saving immediately. Contact a solar panel installation company and get a quote based on your location and your average energy consumption. Sometimes, it’s also possible to save on installation and maintenance fees, as local authorities and national bodies are keen to encourage people to live in a more eco-friendly manner.

Environmental impact

You can’t escape news about the environmental impact of the way we live today, and more and more people are looking for ways they can contribute to a cleaner planet. Even if you already embrace green living, swapping to solar power could make your farm even more environmentally-friendly.

The cons

Aesthetics

If you have a charming rustic farm, you may feel like a load of cutting-edge solar panels that look like something from the future won’t fit in with the landscape. Some people aren’t mad about the visual appeal of solar panels, but there are options to choose from, and it may be possible to conceal the panels if you don’t want them strewn across the roof. It’s worth investigating different solutions to fit in with your preferences.

Reliability

This sounds incredibly obvious, but to produce electricity, solar panels need sunlight. If you live in an area where the sun rarely rears its beautiful head, you may struggle to generate the energy you need. If this is the case, it may be worth considering other options, such as wind power. Get in touch with local firms and arrange a visit to see if your farm could be a good location for solar panels.

Are you thinking about the possibility of powering your farm using solar energy? Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to consider. If your farm is a suntrap and you’re desperate to save money and save the planet, solar power could be a fantastic option. On the flipside, there may be barriers, such as aesthetic appeal and the availability of sunlight.