Grainswest - Tech 2026

Tech 2026 grainswest.com 29 dry pivot corners. Systems can also be installed on large structures that can support an array, such as dairy barns, riding arenas and farm shops. Where farms have multiple electrical loads, Schroeder emphasized the importance of site aggregation. Grouping solar array sites with similar usage patterns allows farmers to maximize export revenue and improve overall returns. Irrigation pumping sites, for example, are often grouped together because they have minimal electricity demand outside the irrigation season (typically, off-season is October through early May), allowing nearly all solar production during this period to be exported to the grid. By contrast, combining irrigation sites with operations that have high winter electricity demand can reduce export potential and weaken project economics. “ROI is largely determined by how much power can be exported,” said Schroeder. “That’s why we focus on aggregating sites with similar usage profiles whenever possible.” GROWTH OF ON-FARM SOLAR As an electrical contractor who specializes in solar energy systems, Badlands Electric is one of the few companies in the province that manages projects from initial design and installation through to long-term maintenance and monitoring, with all services provided by in-house electricians. According to Schroeder, solar arrays generally require very little upkeep. Most systems are connected to app-based monitoring software that can alert either the farm owner or installer if problems arise. Schroeder has successfully managed solar installations for the past two years and noted interest among farmers has steadily increased. This is particularly the case in southern Alberta where many operations rely heavily on irrigation. Advanced software systems can accurately predict annual solar production, farm electricity usage and export capacity before installation even begins. “Unlike growing a crop or raising livestock, a solar installation generates income immediately, which is something that really gets farmers’ attention,” said Schroeder. He noted that the economics of solar tend to favour farms with consistently high electricity demands. These may include farms that rely on irrigation, or feedlots and dairy operations that typically have the energy consumption needed to justify the investment. Schroeder believes farmers can’t look away from solar power generation any longer. With new installations now achieving projected returns in as little as three to five years, farmers have increasingly begun to explore the possibilities. When it comes to installation costs, he said that while they depend on the size and location of the array, farmers should expect $1,800 to $2,250 per kW of solar installed. He also advises farmers to work with a reputable contractor who employs qualified tradespeople. “The greatest benefit of solar is simply more profitability,” said Schroeder. “With high export rates, solar arrays are a mechanism of generating income while preventing your farm from being susceptible to changing utility rates. You become more resilient because you are resistant to any future increases in power costs.” The installation of a solar power system won’t make sense for every farm, but for operations with high electricity demands, the business case has become increasingly compelling. The ability to generate power, reduce costs and create a new revenue stream is turning sunlight into another productive farm asset. Solar arrays generally require very little upkeep, said Braden Schroeder. He has seen interest among farmers steadily increase.