Farmers in Canada are using more renewable energy. In the past five years, the number of farms using renewable energy has more than doubled. Now, 11.9% of Canadian farms, which is about 22,576 farms, use renewable energy. Renewable energy is a sustainable way to power farms, and it can help farmers save money on their energy bills.
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) says the cost of renewable energy solutions is getting lower. For example, the cost of solar energy has decreased by almost 90% in the past 10 years. This makes solar energy the most popular choice for farmers.
As reported by the 2021 Ag Census, the number of farms using solar energy surged to 14,587 from its previous count in 2016. The adaptability of solar solutions plays a pivotal role in this growth. Whether it's a dairy farm with high energy needs or a crop farm with minimal requirements, solar setups can be tailored accordingly.
Moreover, with the right infrastructure and jurisdiction, farmers can produce excess energy and convert their farms into revenue-generating entities.
Wind energy, too, is making its mark. Witnessing a 70% drop in costs over ten years, it has found its place in 1,955 farms, up from 1,597 in 2016. However, while the advantages of solar and wind energy are undeniable, they come with their set of challenges.
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are not always available. This means that farmers need to find ways to store energy on days when there is a lot of wind or sun, so they can use it on days when there is not. One way to do this is to connect to the power grid. Farmers can sell excess electricity to the grid on days when they have a lot of production, and then draw electricity from the grid on days when they don't have enough.