One of the best things about solar power is that it doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all solution. There are plenty of different options depending on the size of your space, where you have room for a solar solution, and how much energy you need your panel structure to source.
First Things First: What Is a Solar Farm?
You’ve all seen rooftop solar structures, but what if they didn’t have to be on top of a building? Solar farms are large-scale groups of photovoltaic (PV) panels designed to harvest the sun’s power arranged across a large area. Both the size and location of a commercial solar farm is what truly separates it from more conventional solutions like rooftop structures and parking lot covers—an entire solar farm can easily create more than enough solar power for just one building or home, so they’re typically used to power an entire electric grid.
Some companies do necessitate that large of a solar energy supply (think a massive-scale data company or someone else who can never afford a moment of downtime), but by and large they’re used to power communities or other large-scale organizations. They can range anywhere from 10 kilowatts to even thousands of megawatts (1 MW = 1,000 kWs), varying depending on how much solar energy is needed to be sourced.
Solar Farm Pros and Cons
Before you decide to make your solar farm investment, you need to understand the nuances of the system and how it can help (or hurt, in some cases) your company. That’s where O3 Energy’s services truly stand out—we want to make sure our clients always get a solar solution that makes sense for their unique needs. We take all of your specific differentiators into account so that you get a solar structure that aligns seamlessly with your budget, energy needs, and long-term goals.
Pros
Solar farms are a reliable energy resource
This one’s a no-brainer. If you have any passing familiarity with energy efficiency, you know that investing in solar makes a lot of sense both for your energy needs and lowering your electricity bill. We’re simply never going to run out of solar energy (at least not in this lifetime). There’s more than enough sunlight to go around.
Minimal maintenance required
Even if a system you’re installing is relatively cheap to operate, it’s reasonable to worry about how sustainable its performance is at a low cost. With solar farms, you won’t have to worry about constantly maintaining your structure.
Everyone benefits from the energy produced by solar farms
If you’re thinking about why and how to start a solar farm, consider this: if you want to make the biggest possible positive impact on the world around you, this is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to do so. Solar farms yield more than enough energy to go around, which is why they’re so popular for forward-thinking communities.
Cons
They require a lot of space
Solar farms are meant to produce energy on a massive scale, and although they’re relatively cheap to install, they simply may not be what you’re looking for. Some companies are more than capable of getting by with just a rooftop or parking lot structure. Consider what your energy needs actually are before making any decision regarding what solar structure you choose.
They significantly alter the landscape
What else could that land be used for? Depending on what your community’s other needs are, a solar farm may not be the most prudent investment. If it’s property you own outright, then the point is moot—but make sure you consider all the potential usages for that land before you move forward.
Build a Brighter Future With O3 Energy
If you want to take the next step toward installing a high-quality, long-lasting energy source for your facility, there’s no better resource than O3 Energy. From rooftop structures to solar farms and beyond, we’re a quality partner that’s always looking for new ways to improve your efficiency. For more information on our services, reach out to our team today.
