The Farmer’s Solar-Ready Checklist

July 17, 2025

Congratulations! You have chosen to install a solar energy system and you are one step closer to energy independence for your farm. So how do you get ready from her to generate your own power through solar? Here are the steps you can take to get NOREASTER® – ready with The Smart Energy Company:

✔️ Check with your utility provider about net-metering

All NOREASTER solar energy projects are grid-tied, which allows you to generate your own energy while remaining connected to the grid. This means, however, that you will need to qualify for net-metering with your local utility provider in order to get a NOREASTER installed on your farm.

With net-metering, you are able to generate electricity for your own use, while sending excess power to the grid for credit on your utility bills. Because your farm is still tied to the grid, you will still be able to rely on energy from your utility provider in the evenings or if your energy use is surpassing your generation.

Our team can help you navigate this process. Here are some helpful net-metering guides to get started:

It is also recommended that you share your current and future energy needs with The Smart Energy Company team. This will help us determine the size and scale of the NOREASTER system that will work best for your farm.

✔️ Choose the site for your solar energy installation

The NOREASTER features ground-mount solar panels that can be placed on otherwise unused land. We recommend choosing a site that has clear southern exposure and enough to allow for inter-row spacing to avoid shading between arrays. Take the proximinity to your electrical service entrance into consideration as distance might affect costs for wiring during installation.

The Smart Energy Company team can help evaluate the site you are planning to install your panels on and ensure it is an optimal site for your NOREASTER, whether you are planning to have it installed by our team or to go DIY. If you feel comfortable with a DIY install, you may be able to unlock savings on your overall cost, but don’t fret – the NOREASTER comes with detailed instructions. Plus, our team is here to provide expert guidance along the way.

✔️ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Get a solar feasibility study completed

The Smart Energy Company offers Commercial Solar Feasibility Studies to all farmers interested in looking into solar for their energy needs. In New Brunswick, a solar feasibility study is required before installing a solar energy system like the NOREASTER.

These include:

  • Detailed solar design options
  • Energy performance modelling
  • Investment analysis with cash flow pro forma
  • Environmental impact details
  • Detailed explanation of available rebates and tax incentives

As solar energy providers for farmers since 2016, our team has extensive experience in not only designing solar energy systems that best fit your farm but also navigating the financing and incentives that can tap into the most out of your investment.

✔️ Reach out to The Smart Energy Company to get started

Still have questions about how to get a solar energy project started for your farm? We’re here to help. Our Smart Energy Consultants can help answer your questions and make your solar energy plans a reality. Contact us today!