Since the Alberta government relaunched the Growing Forward solar incentive program for agricultural producers earlier this year, many Alberta farmers have seized this opportunity to install solar PV systems for their farms. These farmers are now harvesting their own solar power and reaping the benefits of it!

Dairy Farm in Didsbury

This dairy farm near Didsbury which houses over 90 cows is now solar powered. We installed a 18.9 kW solar PV system to power close to 90% of their dairy operation during ideal conditions. They have applied for the Growing Forward solar grant to cover some of their costs. By producing their own solar power, their $1000 per month power bill is drastically reduced. Besides cost saving benefits, they chose to invest in solar as they would like their farm to be a leader in sustainable growth for generations to come.

Brant Colony Egg Farm

Brant Colony’s new net-zero egg barn, which is designed to produce as much energy as it uses, is the first of its kind in Canada. Brant Colony aims to produce approximately 13,000 eggs a day while creating no net greenhouse gas emissions. Their 25.5 kW grid tied solar PV system and recent energy efficient modifications to the facility should significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The colony received funding from the Growing Forward 2 Program which helped them offset some of the costs of the project, including the solar PV system we installed. Brant Colony is committed to creating awareness about environmentally responsible and sustainable egg farming best practices. They have been consistently monitoring their electricity production and consumption data to track their progress and provide a detailed analysis, which can benefit the egg farming industry as a whole. To showcase their sustainability efforts, the colony has also been hosting several tours for other farmers who are interested to learn more about their solar PV system and energy-efficient refrigeration unit.

Quedenbaum Grain Farm

Quedenbaum Farms, a grain farming operation in Barrhead, applied for the Growing Forward solar grant so that their energy can be as green as their crops. We installed a ground mounted, 10.2 kW grid tied solar PV system for their farm to offset a portion of their energy consumption.

More Alberta farms going solar…

13.26 kW grid tied solar PV system for a farm in Mountain View County, Alberta

54.08 kW grid tied solar PV system for a commercial farm in High River, Alberta

This project received support from ENMAX and the CCEMC.

55.9 kW grid tied solar PV system for a poultry farm in Standard, Alberta

This project received support from ENMAX and the CCEMC.

Growing Forward 2 Solar Photovoltaics Program

The Growing Forward 2 Solar Photovoltaics Program application window reopened on July 5, 2016 and is accepting applications again! The program provides funding towards solar PV systems on Alberta farms, enabling producers to generate their own electricity and save on energy costs while reducing their carbon emissions.

Who can apply?

Producers in Alberta with a minimum of $10,000 farm commodity or livestock production income.

What kinds of PV Systems are eligible?

To be eligible for funding, your solar PV system must be:

• Grid-tied, not off-grid,
• Approved under Alberta’s Micro-Generation Legislation,
• Positioned to optimize sunshine and minimize shading,
• Have manufacturer-warranties on: Solar modules, Racking, Inverters and/or Micro-inverters,
• Producing power that is used in the production of a primary commodity, and
• Purchased after April 1, 2013, including already-installed systems

How much funding can I get?

The grant is calculated based on an eligible system’s nominal wattage, up to a maximum percentage of system cost. Third-party contractor-installed systems are funded at a higher rate than self-installed systems. A maximum of 100 kW of solar PV capacity or $50,000 per applicant is available through the program.

Without an Energy Assessment
Solar PV Contractor-Installed: $0.45/W to maximum 20% of project costs
Self-Installed: $0.15/W to maximum 10% of project costs
Grant Maximum: 100 kW or $50,000

With an Energy Assessment
Solar PV Contractor-Installed: $0.60/W to maximum 25% of project costs
Self-Installed: $0.30/W to maximum 20% of project costs
Grant Maximum: 100 kW or $50,000

What do I need to do to apply for this grant?

You will first need to obtain a finalized quote for your solar PV system before you can submit an application form for the On-Farm Solar Management Program.
A finalized quote will need to include the following information:

• All eligible project costs
• Make & Model for Modules, Racking, and Inverters
• An approved application to connect to the grid as a Micro-Generator

You will also need to include an energy bill from the same electrical service and an energy assessment report (if applicable) with your application.

Do you qualify for this grant and would like to apply for it?

Please contact us at 403 251 0668 or 780 474 8992 for a free estimate and quote. We will also help you with the submission of your Micro-Generation application which is required for the grant. If we’ve installed a farm PV system for you prior to the launch of this program, please contact us and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for the retroactive grant and help you out with the application.