Farmers are increasingly choosing to invest in renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaic panels that bring huge benefits in terms of electricity. At the same time, this is associated with quite large expenses especially at the beginning of the activity. In such a situation, it is worth finding out what support programs and subsidies are offered in connection with photovoltaics for farmers.
What is the AgroEnergia program?
AgroEnergia is a program of attractive subsidies and grants for farms. For several years its organization has been handled by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. A condition for applying for participation in the program is, among other things, documentation confirming the fact of running and managing a farm for at least one year prior to the delivery of application documents.
The AgroEnergia program aims to minimize the negative impact of agriculture on the environment and support farmers in the energy efficiency of their farms.
For whom is the AgroEnergia 2021 program?
AgroEnergia is primarily dedicated to farm owners who want to invest in RES-based installations – these are mainly photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, or windmills. In addition, tenants of agricultural land can also approach the call. In both cases, owners of agricultural land between 1 and 300 hectares can apply for a subsidy.
In addition, the planned installation should be characterized by a power of 10 to 50 kWp. This applies to the aforementioned installations, as well as microgas plants.
What is the amount of subsidies from the program?
In this year’s edition of the program, the planned budget is PLN 200 million. The amount of a given subsidy depends primarily on the power of the RES installation planned to be made. For example, for installations with a power of 10 to 30 kW, the farmer will receive a subsidy worth PLN 15,000. For larger capacities – from 30 to 50 kW, the amount of subsidy will be PLN 25,000.
As part of the comprehensive development and support of renewable energy sources, applicants can get an additional PLN 10,000 in subsidies. The condition is the implementation of a hybrid installation – containing, for example, a photovoltaic installation and a micro wind installation.
Conditions for obtaining a subsidy
One of the most important conditions for the subsidy is that the RES installation project should not be started until after the application has been submitted. The grant funds are returned in the form of a refund after the investment is completed. An additional condition is the condition of the equipment. The equipment must be new, and its date of manufacture must be no more than 24 months before installation.
It is worth remembering that AgroEnergia does not provide assistance for installations already financed, as well as those carried out with other public funds.
When does the call for applications for the AgroEnergia 2021 program begin?
According to information on the website of the National Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund, the date of the planned launch of the AgroEnergia 2021 program is June of this year. Since the program is continuous, applications for subsidies for photovoltaic installations and more can be submitted at any time. Based on previous years’ deadlines, the end of the call for applications is likely to be in the 3rd quarter of the year.