Depending on your individual needs, the desire to switch to an off-grid energy source can come from a multitude of different motivators, but some challenges tag along with this transition that you should be aware of. Many modern farmers are making the switch due to its attractive attributes, like self-reliance, decreased or eliminated electricity bills, and a lessened environmental footprint. If you're considering the change for yourself, we expect sharing our first-time lessons will make your experience a little easier.
The upfront cost of a solar system can be quite pricey, especially if your operation pulls a lot of power. These systems need four main components: solar panels, racking equipment, a solar inverter, and solar monitoring equipment. Although not required, you will also need a battery if you want to store the excess energy your panels produce. A battery of the correct size will be necessary for large-scale power needs, which most cannabis farms like ours will require. Sometimes, it's best to take this building process a step at a time and spread the expenses out over a couple of years to make the transition more affordable. Integrating a hybrid system, meaning you generate and store your own power while also connecting to the grid for certain power loads when necessary, could be an achievable way to get there while working toward a fully self-reliant solar system. Most grid energy providers have a clean power alternative, like Sonoma Clean Power in our area. This is a great renewable energy option to rely on while building your system that can also act as a backup source in the future. If affordability is still an issue, there are grant opportunities and possible tax credits to explore that can help finance the project. Know that eventually, your investments will pay off, and you'll start saving money while saving the planet. As an added bonus, in some states, you can even sell your unused energy back to the grid, making you money on one end while you save money on the other.
The upfront cost of a solar system is only one of the challenges an interested party may face, as weather dependency is another big factor. Identifying the best location for setup prior to installation is critical to making sure you get the most out of your investment. Take some time to track the sun in your area to find where the most sun exposure is present, remembering that south-facing panels are typically best for us here in the northern hemisphere. Always have a backup system, like a gas generator or connection to the grid, in case of long-term bad weather that depletes all of your stored energy. If you live in an area that receives a lot of snow throughout the year, consider installing solar panel heating systems to assist in removing built-up snow that would interfere with the panel's exposure.
Another challenge with off-grid solar systems is they take up a lot of space, especially if you have limited areas with regular sunlight. Because of this, new technologies are on the rise that have made solar project designs a bit sleeker. Rooftop solar panels are a great way to keep your ground space open for gardening, business operations, livestock, or whatever else your home or farm needs it for. If you want to use your roof space even more efficiently, you could replace your entire roof with a Solar Roof, a seamless design that utilizes tile-shaped solar panels. Solar paint may be an option in the future, allowing you to utilize any surface you can apply a coat to. Imagine coating an entire building in solar paint to generate energy - sounds like a great space-saving alternative! However, it may be a few years before this method is readily available on the market.
Making the switch to an off-grid renewable energy source is something to get excited about, but it does come with its challenges. Not having to rely on the grid for all of your power gives you more control over your home and farm, especially if you're in an area that experiences rolling blackouts during times when power is vital for your business's success. As we continue forward on our solar journey, we hope our adventures inspire and educate others to take the plunge and move toward a more sustainable future.
If you have tips or want to share your solar experiences with us, we'd love to hear from you! As we continue moving into the 2021 cultivation season, sign up for our newsletter or fill out a Wholesale Account Form to stay updated on our latest craft cannabis inventory.