Solar photovoltaic energy for agricultural operations

Abstract

<p>The popularity of generating electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays is growing. Iowa is in the top third of states for harnessing energy from the sun. A combination of new technology, significantly increased production of arrays, and tax incentives have cut the installed cost of solar generation by more than 50 percent in the past several years and greatly changed the economics for those interested in solar. A primary motivating factor for solar installation is to offset electrical consumption and hedge against future costs, but an important secondary factor for some is a desire to "go green" by reducing their fossil fuel consumption.</p>