Why the timing works
Center pivots and flood pumps on the Eastern Plains, in the San Luis Valley and along the Western Slope run through June, July and August — Colorado’s strongest solar months. Production that lines up with consumption is worth more than production that has to be exported and banked.
Off-season, the array keeps producing. Whether those winter kilowatt-hours are worth much depends on how your utility treats excess and whether the meter can be aggregated with a house or shop.
Co-op rules shape the project
Most irrigated farmland is served by rural electric cooperatives. Under Colorado’s co-op net-metering statute, co-ops must allow at least 25 kW for commercial customers with monthly carryover and an annual credit for excess; larger systems may be treated differently. Many irrigation rates include demand charges tied to pump horsepower or peak kW. We read your co-op’s tariff before sizing.
REAP and other funding, as of September 2026
USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program has historically been the main grant for farm solar. As of September 2026, REAP grants are paused while USDA rewrites the program rule; guaranteed loans remain available. Rooftop solar on farm buildings has remained eligible, while large ground-mount projects over 50 kW have been excluded or deprioritized. Check USDA Rural Development for current status before planning around a grant.
Agricultural businesses can also depreciate solar and storage; 100% bonus depreciation was restored for property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025. Ask your CPA how it applies to your operation.
Ground mounts at the pump
We build ground mounts near the pump or well to keep wiring runs short. Placement needs to stay clear of pivot paths, equipment traffic and livestock. On some operations, a roof system on a shop or barn serving an aggregated meter is simpler.
Sources & dated facts
- Colorado co-op net metering (C.R.S. 40-9.5-118): at least 10 kW residential / 25 kW commercial, monthly 1:1 carryforward, annual excess credited within 60 days.As of Sep 23, 2026
FAQ
Questions we hear
Are USDA REAP solar grants available right now?
As of September 2026, REAP grants are paused pending a rule rewrite, while guaranteed loans remain open. Check USDA Rural Development for the latest before applying.
Can solar run my center pivot directly?
We build grid-tied systems, so the pivot keeps drawing from the grid while the array offsets its energy on paper. That keeps the pivot running on cloudy days and at night.
How big can my ag solar system be on a co-op?
Colorado law requires co-ops to allow at least 25 kW for commercial net metering; each co-op sets rules above that. We check your co-op’s current tariff and interconnection limits.
What happens to winter production on an irrigation meter?
It depends on carryover and year-end rules. Some co-ops credit annual excess at a lower rate. Sizing to the irrigation load, rather than oversizing, usually protects the economics.