Alternative investments, which are not stocks and bonds, are plenty. Due to its inverse relationship with the stock market and capacity to increase in value during difficult economic times, farmland is a common investment choice.
There are countless varieties of crops that may be grown on a farm. In fact, several farms employ solar energy harvesting techniques.
They are known as “solar farms”, which are Large-scale outdoor power plants powered by the sun. The photovoltaic (PVC) panels used in these farms are set up on the ground in a cleared area.
By investing in solar farms, you would support efforts to develop alternative energy sources in place of the continuous reliance on limited fuel that is extracted from the earth by our nation.
One of the most potent alternative energy sources is sunlight, which is gaining popularity among both homeowners and investors.
Solar farmers, as opposed to the solar panels you’ve probably seen on house rooftops, may generate enough electricity to run an entire town or possibly a wider region.
Why Invest In A Solar Farm?
Investing in solar farms has a number of significant advantages:
- Solar farms encourage the use of renewable energy sources and lessen the nation’s dependency on finite fossil resources.
- There is more energy available from the sun than humans could ever need.
- Purchasing solar farm stock might be a wise move to diversify your holdings.
- In ideal locations that get plenty of sunshine, farms can generate income 12 months per year
- If you already own land, income from using it for agriculture or other uses might be higher.
- The solar business has experienced exponential expansion and interest during the past ten years.
Investment Options For Solar Energy Farms
Investors have a few alternatives when it comes to investing in solar energy farms, however, it’s not nearly as straightforward as equities and bonds.
- There are several businesses that provide financing for the construction of community solar farms, just like mortgage lending firms. You must compare loan fees and interest rates because they might differ greatly.
- A profit-sharing arrangement with local inhabitants is something that some local utility firms offer investors. Find out if this choice is available where you live by contacting yours.
- Shasta Power Solar Development Investments is a good choice. Its goal is to make the world a better place while simultaneously expanding your financial portfolio. Shasta Power leads the transition from coal energy to a sustainable future.
- The iShares sustainable ETFs concentrate on certain issues, such as environmental problems. The majority of today’s brokerages allow the purchase and sale of these ETFs.
- An additional choice would be to make an investment in a publicly traded solar energy firm. These businesses include First Solar, Brookefield Renewable, and SolarEdge, to name a few.
- Creating your own solar farm would be the most expensive solution! Significant resources are needed, as is extensive research. You must make sure you have the necessary business license and meet all legal criteria in order to operate this kind of business, in addition to procuring a large enough plot of land. A 1-megawatt solar farm will start off costing between $800K and $1M to build. Additionally, a 1-megawatt farm would require between 6 to 8 acres of land.
Consider leasing your undeveloped land to a solar farmer if you have any available space.
Types of Solar Farms
Actually, there are two different categories of solar farms: utility-scale farms and community-scale farms.
The size of the farm is the primary difference. Utility-scale farms are enormous farms that supply electricity to vast areas. Community-size farms, on the other hand, are considerably smaller and serve smaller populations.
The energy consumer is the other significant difference. Solar energy is provided through community farms to anyone who pays a local group to use it. Usually, utility farms collaborate with nearby utility providers.
Solar Farm Returns
Each solar farm is unique. Weather, size, and other factors affect how much a solar farm can make.
A typical 1-megawatt solar farm may make around $43,500 annually.
The largest solar farm in the United States at the moment is Copper Mountain Solar, an 816-megawatt solar farm located in Nevada.
You may make between $1,000 and $2,000 per acre each year by renting your land to a solar farm.
Final Thoughts on Investing in Solar Farms
The sun offers endless energy, considerably more than humanity could possibly need, unlike other energy sources. It also doesn’t require a lot of fuel to collect or expensive operating costs.
Although designing and constructing your own solar farm might be quite difficult, there are alternative methods to get started.
Some utilities actually provide locals the choice to take part in a profit-sharing scheme or a reduced-cost energy plan.
And buying stock in a publicly traded business that specializes in solar energy is another way to get started.
