More Canadian farms are adopting renewable energy -- solar and wind lead the way
Renewable energy is becoming a genuine alternative for Canadian farmers, with more making the transition each year. According to FCC and Statistics Canada Ag Census, nearly one in eight farms — about 11.9 per cent or 22,576 farms — reported producing renewable energy. This is more than double the 5.3 per cent recorded in 2016, showing the rapid pace of adoption.
Experts, including Nazim Cicek of the University of Manitoba, notes that lower technology costs and government incentives such as carbon pricing have encouraged farmers to explore green energy solutions.
Many farms are not only reducing dependence on outside power sources, but also generating extra income by selling electricity back to the grid, helping to diversify their business.
The Census found that 17,080 farms used renewable energy on-site, while 6,517 produced energy for sale. Solar energy is the most common system, ranging from panels and heating units to solar water pumps. With costs down nearly 90 per cent over the last decade, solar power has grown rapidly, with more than 14,500 farms producing solar energy in 2021, a 68.5 per cent jump since 2016.
Wind energy is the second most popular choice. The number of farms reporting wind power rose to 1,955 in 2021, up from 1,597 in 2016. Like solar, wind energy construction costs have dropped, decreasing by about 70 per cent over the past 10 years.
Farmers are encouraged to explore national, provincial, and territorial incentives offered through programs and organizations like FCC. These include subsidies, interest-free loans, rebates, and energy buy-back options.
“For example, if you have a solar project in Ontario under contract version 1.3 or 1.5, there may be a valuable opportunity to rebuild and expand your system,” says Garrett Vanderwyst, Project Manager with Axis Solar.
Vanderwyst also suggests that by routinely maintaining your existing MicroFIT or FIT installation, you could significantly increase your energy output—and your revenue.
Similar opportunities may exist in other provinces, check with solar providers and government websites.
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