Farmers can benefit from solar energy in several ways—by leasing farmland for solar; installing a solar system on a house, barn, or other building; or through agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics is defined as agriculture, such as crop production, livestock grazing, and pollinator habitat, located underneath. Here's how two Illinois farmers have used solar energy to offset their own energy costs, plus five steps to take if you're considering a move to solar power. POWERED UP: Steve Nightingale added solar panels to his farm near Orion, Ill. Photos by Jennie Abbott by Jennie Abbott When Orion. Discover three ways farmers are using solar power in their operations Sheep from Owen's Farm graze under Susquehanna University's solar array This National Farmers Day, we celebrate the people who not only feed the nation but are also powering a cleaner future. Not only does renewable energy help the farmer save money but also combats the effects of global warming. Biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric. One government grant program for solar panels on farms is called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). In this post, our FarmRaise team will cover: But first, what's this about “photovoltaic” initiatives? A photovoltaic system (PV system) is a more scientific word for the typical solar panel.