Solar power brings hope to small farms

By Blake Jackson

A fifth-generation dairy farmer from Genoa recently made a big leap towards sustainability and cost savings through solar power. The farmer, along with his parents, explored solar installations for their family farm but initially found it financially unfeasible.

Their perspective changed after meeting Ethos Green Power Cooperative at a local fair in 2023. Ethos highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy For America Program (REAP), funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which offers financial support for renewable energy projects.

The farmer discovered that while residential solar wasn’t cost-effective, a solar system for the farm could be nearly cost-free thanks to REAP grants, tax incentives, and state energy programs. With a $25,495 grant, the solar installation is expected to replace 100% of the farm’s energy use, saving nearly $3,000 annually.

“It turned out it wasn’t feasible as a residential product, but the money that I could get through REAP, through tax incentives and through Focus on Energy grants meant that for the farm, it’s virtually a free project,” said Levendoski. “It’ll have a few months for payback, but it’s virtually a free project for us.”

This initiative is part of broader efforts in Wisconsin, where the USDA recently announced over $24 million in grants and loans for renewable energy projects. These include solar arrays, energy-efficient grain drying systems, and manure digesters. The REAP program has already supported over 230 projects in Wisconsin since 2021, investing more than $66 million.

The Inflation Reduction Act significantly boosted REAP, creating record demand for renewable energy funding. While the program’s future beyond 2025 is uncertain, it remains one of the USDA’s most popular initiatives, benefiting rural businesses and farmers.

However, the Act faces potential political challenges, with some leaders proposing to rescind unused funds. Despite this, many acknowledge the program’s widespread impact, as the majority of its projects have been implemented in rural, often Republican-held, districts.

Programs like REAP continue to showcase how renewable energy can transform rural communities by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability.

Photo Credit: usda