Small Acreage Equipment Soak up the Sun
Powering Agricultural Equipment Solar energy can be used to charge electric tractors, water pumps and other essential farm equipment. This is especially beneficial for small-acreage owners looking to reduce their reliance on traditional fuels.
“ I’ ve helped farm owners install large solar arrays to power their electric tractors and cars. Solar can also be used for deep well pumping or surface pumping to irrigate gardens or fields,” shared Cross.
For irrigation, solar panels can be paired with 12- or 24-volt pumps to efficiently move water.
Cross tells AcreageLife that,“ Water pumping is one of the simplest systems you can do with solar. A couple of solar panels on a ground or pole mount can power a pump to irrigate your property or move water uphill.”
Heating and Ventilation
Excess solar energy can be diverted to heat livestock barns or chicken coops, ensuring animals stay warm during colder months. Ventilation is another key application, as solar can power intake and exhaust fans to maintain airflow in barns or sheds.
“ Solar is great for powering ventilation fans. You can hook solar panels directly to a DC fan, which will run during the day when the barn gets warm, moving air throughout the facility at no cost,” said Cross.
Backup Power for Emergencies
Solar systems paired with battery storage provide reliable backup power during outages. Batteries store energy generated during the day, ensuring power is available at night or during emergencies.
“ If there’ s an outage, the system will automatically switch over to battery backup and continue to power the loads in your home or barn. Batteries can also be charged by your solar panels, providing a seamless energy solution,” added Cross.
Electric Fencing and Gates
Solar panels are an excellent solution for powering electric fences and gates, especially in remote areas. During the day, solar panels can charge a battery, which then powers the fence or gate at night when predators are most active.
“ If you want to keep a fence electrified throughout the evening, you’ ll need a battery attached to the solar system. The solar charges the battery during the day, and the battery powers the fence at night,” Cross explains.
Charging Electric Vehicles and Equipment
For small-acreage owners with electric vehicles( EVs) or battery-powered farm equipment, solar power can provide a cost-effective, sustainable charging solution. By installing a solar array with sufficient capacity, you can keep your equipment charged and ready to go without relying on the grid.
Lighting and Small Tools
Solar power is perfect for running lights and small tools in workshops, barns or remote areas of your property. Portable solar kits, such as those from Goal Zero, are especially useful for powering lights or charging devices in areas without easy access to electricity.
Top Brands and Kits to Consider
When it comes to solar power, choosing the right product is key.
“ There ' s a lot of really great resources out there, like solarreviews. org. They can provide references to installers, and they can also give you an idea of what you might pay an installer in your area. Warranty is another thing. If you get a bid from an installer, look at the equipment. It ' s not just about a kit. Look at the brand names that they ' ve quoted to you. Go to those manufacturers’ websites and make sure they have a solid
AcreageLife. com March 2026 AcreageLife 39