One of the most popular green company options is that of starting a solar farm. Not only there are many successful private companies in the business, in order to meet their sustainable energy targets, the governments of the countries are also subsidizing it. Furthermore, owing to a recent boom in technological innovations, experts are also speculating that solar energy might become mainstream in the near future. Even right now it is the leader when it comes to renewable energy.
Most of the existing solar farms are owned by private companies. The involvement of private companies in solar farming indicates two things. First, it’s a profitable venture. Second, it’s feasible enough for individual companies to invest in it. You can make your own successful solar farm. But before deciding to go for it you should take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a solar farm.
Advantages of starting a Solar Farm
1. Support of Government
As said earlier, countries throughout the world are trying their best to switch to renewable sources of energy. They welcome the efforts of any private firm that helps them in fulfilling their aim. So, you will receive huge support from the government when you are establishing a solar farm.
You will get a subsidy on all the products. The government will provide you with the information whether a solar farm is feasible in your region or not. Solar energy is tax free in many countries of the world and some countries even provide an incentive on green energy production.
2. Good Return
Ideally a solar farm is supposed to give an annual return of 10-15%. But even in most ordinary cases it will give you a return of at least 6%. The return is assured as the energy that you are producing is directly sold to the consumer.
3. Low Operational Cost
Solar farms require a minimal maintenance. So you won’t have to worry about high operational costs.
4. Ease of Selling Electricity
Electricity is in demand everywhere. So, it is very easy to sell it. The output of your solar farm will be connected to the national grid and you’ll be paid for every single unit of electricity that you produce.
5. Hybrid Solar Plants
A solar farm can also be established in collaboration with a wind farm. Both the sources will complement each other and you will get a more steady power supply.
6. Eco-Friendly
It goes without saying that solar energy is eco friendly. As a matter of fact, it’s the major sources of clean energy.
Disadvantages of establishing a Solar Farm
1. High Initial Cost
Establishing a solar farm is a very expensive matter. Though government subsidy will slightly ease the burden but still the costs will be considerable.
2. Unreliable
You can’t rely on solar energy every time. The output will be unsteady and it will vary depending upon the climate of your region.
3. High Repair Cost
Though the components of your solar farm are less likely to get damaged, but if they do get damaged then you’ll have to spend a large amount of money in order to repair them. That’s why for emergency you’ll be required to keep a large amount of money with you.
Some lesser-known advantages of starting solar farms
1. Solar farms increase biodiversity
While creating a solar farm, there are certain things that need to be considered. Firstly, the areas near or underneath the solar panels must be fertile. Various local wildflowers, grass and other plant seeds are sown in the soil, according to the respective seasons. Moreover, appropriate growth conditions are provided to the fields for increasing versatility and diversity of plants.
Secondly, areas for ponds and lakes are also constructed to offer convenient habitat for aquatic birds and animals. Even bird and bat boxes are formed at different locations.
Thirdly, sites for beehives are also selected for both honey and solitary bees.
Lastly, proper hibernacula management is done to provide shelter to refugee birds and animals that are seeking a proper habitat. With the help of all these measures and different procedures, farmers can help in the growth of animals and plants in future.
2. Solar farms offer higher botanical diversity
With huge reduction in pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, more organic and fresh plants will be grown in solar farms. There will be proper control on animal grazing – as no grazing will be allowed especially during flowering season. This is likely to be beneficial in active growth of different broad-leafed plants and flowers.
Even farmers will be educated about proper land management so that they could deal with all sort of climatic conditions. Furthermore, micro-climatic conditions will also be present. This means within the solar farm itself, there will be enough shaded as well as unshaded area for plants to grow as per their requirement.
3. Solar farms for higher animal and bird diversity
The solar farms focus on growth of both vertebrates and invertebrates. There will be enough food and grass for grazing for cattle. The quality of grass and food will be of superior quality so that milk, wool and other animal-related food source is also of better quality for human consumption.
Proper health check-up facilities and living conditions will be provided to all the farm animals. Not only cattle, but proper care facilities are also provided for birds that live in branch nest and ground nest. Plus, appropriate feeding and nesting sites will be selected of different bird species so that they can grow and live comfortably.
Future of Solar Farming
By 2050 it is being expected that a large chunk of the electricity supply around the world will be through solar power, this clearly means solar farming has a bright future. Various developed nations like UK and USA already have established plenty of solar farms and also seen wide range of improvement in biodiversity.
Over the years, researchers have found positive results of solar farms and the results are likely to increase in future as well. Even few developing nations are also inclining towards solar farms. Why not? It’s definitely going to prevent extinction of plant and animal species, meanwhile provide more natural and organic ways of living.
Final Words
In order to avoid an energy crisis, countries throughout the world are trying their best to switch to renewable sources of energy. And amongst the few available renewable sources of energy, solar energy has proved to be the most accessible one. Unlike wind energy and tidal energy, solar energy has high availability.
Solar farms have a bright future – as these eco-friendly farms are certainly going to take sustainability and biodiversity to new heights. Researches are being done in order to make it more efficient. It is said that solar power will become the largest source of energy by 2050. And it’s not only about the future, even right now solar farming can provide a company with a steady and durable source of income. And if this is what you are looking for then do give solar farming a try.
