Top 5 Questions Asked At The National Farm Machinery Show

Discover how solar energy is transforming agricultural operations as we answer the most pressing questions from farm owners and operators at this year's National Farm Machinery Show.

1. What Financial Incentives And Tax Benefits Are Still Available?

One of the most frequently asked questions at this year's National Farm Machinery Show centered on the financial incentives available for agricultural solar installations. Understanding the tax credit landscape is crucial for farm operators looking to make informed decisions about their renewable energy investments.

The residential solar tax credit has expired as of the end of 2025, which means homeowners and residential property owners are no longer eligible for this incentive. However, the commercial solar tax credit remains available through the end of 2027, presenting a valuable opportunity for farm operations to reduce the upfront cost of solar installations. This makes it critically important for agricultural businesses to act now to ensure their projects are fully installed by December 31, 2027 to qualify for this significant tax benefit.

For farms planning larger projects or those in the early stages of development, safe harboring provisions offer additional flexibility. By safe harboring your solar project by July 4th, 2026, you can secure your solar tax credit for future installations, even if the physical installation extends beyond the original deadline. This strategic approach allows agricultural operations to lock in financial incentives while managing complex installation timelines around seasonal farming operations and equipment needs.

2. What Is The Difference Between Elevated Arrays And Standard Ground Mount Systems?

Agricultural operations have unique space utilization needs, and the question of elevated versus standard ground mount solar arrays generated significant interest with our different displays at the show. The distinction between these two mounting approaches can significantly impact how farms integrate renewable energy into their existing operations.

Elevated ground mount arrays are specifically designed to be raised higher than traditional ground-mounted systems, serving multiple purposes on working farms. These elevated structures create valuable shaded areas beneath the solar panels, which livestock can utilize for grazing and protection from harsh weather conditions. This dual-use approach, known as agrivoltaics, allows farms to maintain productive agricultural land while simultaneously generating clean energy from the same footprint.

Beyond livestock applications, elevated arrays can be configured as solar carports to protect farm equipment, vehicles, and machinery from the elements. This versatility makes elevated mounting systems particularly valuable for agricultural operations seeking to maximize land use efficiency. While standard ground-mount systems are still a great choice for dedicated solar projects, elevated arrays give working farms more flexibility so they can keep day-to-day operations running smoothly as they switch to renewable energy.

3. How Are Solar Energy Systems Sized?

Proper system sizing emerged as a critical concern for farm operators evaluating solar investments. Solar installations require careful analysis of unique energy consumption patterns that vary significantly based on seasonal operations, equipment loads, and facility requirements.

At Harvest Solar, we begin the sizing process by conducting a comprehensive review of your energy bills, analyzing consumption patterns throughout the entire year. Agricultural operations typically experience significant fluctuations in energy demand based on planting seasons, harvest periods, irrigation requirements, and livestock management cycles. By examining 12 months of historical usage data, we can identify peak demand periods and baseline consumption levels that inform optimal system design.

4. Can Agricultural Operations Go Off-Grid With Solar Energy?

The idea of complete energy independence drew strong interest from farm operators, leading to many questions about off-grid solar. While cutting ties with the utility grid is appealing, it is not the most practical option for most agricultural operations.

Harvest Solar focuses on grid-tied solar arrays that stay connected to your utility meter. This configuration gives working farms the reliability and flexibility they need, drawing power from the grid during peak demand or low solar production (such as at night or during cloudy weather) and sending excess solar back to the grid when production is high.

For agricultural businesses, grid-tied systems typically mean lower upfront costs than off-grid battery systems. The grid effectively serves as a backup, helping prevent downtime from weather or equipment issues. While battery storage is improving, grid-tied solar remains the most cost-effective, dependable option for most commercial agricultural operations looking to cut electricity costs with renewable energy.

5. How Long Do Solar Panels Typically Last?

Durability is a key investment factor for farm operators, and panel lifespan is one of the top questions at the National Farm Machinery Show. Just like tractors or combines, solar should be evaluated on years of reliable service.

Modern photovoltaic panels are designed to operate at or near full efficiency for 25–30 years, making them one of the longest-lasting investments on the farm. During this time, properly installed systems deliver consistent clean energy with minimal maintenance, helping lower electricity costs and improve long-term returns.

After 25–30 years, panels don’t suddenly fail, they gradually lose a small amount of output each year and often continue producing useful power for 40 years or more. Most manufacturers back this performance with 25-year warranties. For farms planning long-term infrastructure, this proven longevity, predictable degradation, and strong warranty protection make solar a highly reliable and durable addition to your operation.