Solar Power: Oklahoma’s Newest Farm Hand

By harnessing energy from the sun, Oklahomans who own farms and small rural businesses could reduce their electricity costs by using solar panel systems. In addition to increased efficiency, perhaps the best part of a solar installation is that the government may pay for it.

Oklahoma receives about 2200 hours of sunlight every year. Solar panel systems can capture that sunlight and convert it to energy,  which in turn may power heating systems, lighting, irrigation pumps, and a variety of other practical applications necessary for business. Solar power is a powerful resource: it saves money, increases self-sufficiency, and reduces pollution.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is sponsored by the USDA and “provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficient improvements.” REAP is available to those who earn at least half of their gross income from agricultural operations.  REAP programs are also open to small businesses in “an area other than a city or town with a population greater than 50,000 inhabitants, and the urbanized area of that city or town.”

Two types of funding are available through REAP. The first type of funding is through loan guarantees. A government loan guarantee means that the government will assume the debt of the borrower should the borrower default. This makes getting a loan from a bank much easier because it ensures repayment to the lender. The second type of funding available through REAP is provided through grants. These grants provide funding for up 25% of the project’s total cost. Both types of funding may be combined to cover up to 75% of total project costs. In these ways, REAP makes purchasing a solar power system even more financially viable.

Hemphill Solar offers commercial grid-tie systems perfect for agricultural operations and small rural businesses. These systems can easily be mounted on the roof of your buildings. The panels are designed to withstand hail, storm damage, and wind speeds over 100 mph. Hemphill Solar offers a one-year warranty on our workmanship, and the panels themselves come with a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer. You will see savings the moment you turn on your solar system, allowing you to keep more of your cash each month.

Click here to visit the USDA website.