The Solar Electric Tractor Revolution: How GoSun’s Moonrider Could Change Small Farm Equipment
The tractor has revolutionized American agriculture for decades, and it has been its diesel engine that has driven mowing, tilling, hauling, and other tasks. GoSun is now introducing another version of the compact tractor: the GoSun Moonrider is a 4WD electric tractor capable of tapping an optional solar canopy for power.
The Cincinnati-based solar technology and clean tech company is partnered with manufacturer Moonrider in India as the tractor is being introduced to farmers, homesteaders, vineyards, estates, and property owners throughout North America. The GoSun Moonrider has 27 horsepower, a rear PTO, a hydraulic 3-point hitch, and a 24 kWh LFP battery, making it ideal for light-duty yard jobs, but not for practical farm applications.
What Is the GoSun Moonrider Electric Tractor?
The GoSun Moonrider is a compact electric tractor designed for properties of roughly 5 to 50 acres. It is a battery-powered operation and works in conjunction with conventional tractor equipment such as Four Wheel Drive, rear PTO, and three-point hitch.
The tractor has a rated HP of 27 (20 kW). At a full charge, it has a capacity of 24 kWh with a claimed runtime of approximately 5 hours, depending on what task is being undertaken.
This tractor was introduced to the North American market at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, by GoSun and Moonrider. The first deliveries will be in early 2027.
GoSun Moonrider specifications
| Specification | GoSun Moonrider 27 |
| Power | 27 hp / 20 kW |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Battery | 24 kWh LFP |
| Claimed runtime | About 5 hours |
| Charger | 220V AC fast charger |
| 0 to 80% charging | About 2.5 hours |
| Rear PTO | 540 / 540E |
| Three-point hitch capacity | 1,653 pounds |
| Forward gears | 9 |
| Reverse gears | 3 |
| Turning radius | 4.6 feet |
| Optional solar canopy | 1,100 watts |
| Listed tractor and charger price | $19,995 |
The specifications provided for the Moonrider 27 will equip the vehicle for typical compact tractor tasks. Its common tractor connections enable farmers to use compatible mowers, tillers, cutters, spreaders, and trailers.
Want to see the Moonrider 27 tackle real fieldwork? Watch it in action and see the power, torque, and quiet performance for yourself.
How the Moonrider 27 Uses Solar Power
The solar canopy (optional – 1,100 watts) is what makes the Moonrider 27 solar-powered. The canopy is designed for tall trucks on the truck tires and will produce electricity above the operator during truck parking or when the tractor is operating in an appropriate sun exposure location. With its onboard solar canopy, the Gosun Moonrider 27 can function as a solar tractor, using sunlight to generate additional electricity while it is parked or working in suitable conditions.
If you can get a sunny day, you should get about 1.5 additional hours of runtime, according to GoSun. Real solar production will be determined by the amount of sunlight, weather, the condition of the solar panels, and operating conditions. The same approach can also support a solar-powered electric vehicle setup, where solar generation provides electricity for battery-powered equipment on the property.
Charging is not only from the solar canopy; it is in addition to it. The 220V charger can be used by owners for quicker charging, and solar generation can also provide extra energy during the day.
It can work in conjunction with existing electricity systems for some farms that are already putting into solar panels or other renewable equipment to power the farm. GoSun also has introduced a Solar Car Port that could be used for faster solar charging.
Call GoSun at 888-709-2519 or email at support@gosun.co. The GoSun team is ready to help you find the right setup for your farm or property
Electric Tractor Performance for Farm Work
Electric tractors are going to need enough power to do what farmers want a 1200cc compact diesel can do. The Moonrider 27 features four-wheel drive, 27 HP, and a hydraulically powered three-point hitch to accommodate up to a 1,653 lb load.
That kind of equipment facilitates everyday duties such as:
- Mowing
- Tilling
- Spreading
- Material hauling
- Blade work
- Trailer work
- General property maintenance
Property owners who already use an electric mower may also find the Gosun Moonrider 27 useful for larger mowing jobs and other maintenance work that requires a tractor. The tractor is also equipped with 9 forward and 3 reverse gears. The company claims it can turn in only four-and-a-half feet, which can help to work around smaller fields, vineyards, gardens, and buildings.
The Moonrider 27 also features GPS and geofencing, as well as mobile app access, allowing owners to keep tabs on and control the vehicle.
Battery and Charging
The Gosun Moonrider comes with a 24 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Due to their thermal characteristics and durability, LFP Batteries are widely used in stationary energy systems and EVs. LFP batteries are also widely used in electric vehicle applications because they can provide the durability and energy storage needed for repeated charging cycles.
Through its own marketing, GoSun Moonrider guarantees approximately 5 hours from a full charge. Execution time is estimated and will depend on the task performed. If it’s been under the heavy pressure of PTO work, hauling, and even the stress of terrain, it can use up more energy than lighter property maintenance.
According to the published specifications, the supplied 220V AC Fast Charger will charge the battery from zero to full up to 80% in about 2.5 hours.
When equipment must be ready to run, and work operations are typically conducted during the same day, charging time is also a concern to the farm operators. Owners must adjust charging as per the workload of the tractor.
Gosun Moonrider Cost and Potential Operating Savings
GoSun lists the Moonrider 27 at $19,995 with the tractor and 220V charger. The company has also announced an early purchase option that entails committing to the 1,100-watt solar array without incurring any extra cost, or $3,000 for GoSun.
Fuel, oil changes, filters/ belts, maintenance servicing, and downtime for a similar diesel tractor is estimated by GoSun to be approximately $15,500 for the five-year period. The estimated expense for those categories that have the Moonrider 27 is approximately $500.
This gives a difference of approximately $15,000 in 5 years.
Additionally depending on the state and if the income of the farmer qualifies as a small farmer, rebates of 50% and more may be available.
These are the estimates but not guarantees for savings by GoSun. The actual costs for ownership will vary based on electricity pricing, solar production, bandwidth, servicing, financing, diesel tractor selected, and battery output. No matter what, with the current very high cost of diesel, an electric tractor that can be charged by the sun will definitely help farmers cut operating costs.
Attachments, purchase price, installation, charging equipment, and any farm-specific electrical installation work are also considerations for the buyer.
Environmental and Workplace Benefits
The Moonrider 27 produces no tailpipe emissions while operating. That can matter when equipment operates near barns, greenhouses, storage areas, or other enclosed spaces.
Electric drive also produces less operating noise than a diesel engine. Lower noise can make communication easier around the tractor and reduce the amount of engine noise experienced by operators during long work sessions.
The lack of tailpipe emissions can also make electric tractors relevant to farms looking for organic farm equipment for work around crops, greenhouses, barns, and storage areas. The electric drivetrain also eliminates routine diesel engine tasks such as engine oil changes and fuel system maintenance. The exact maintenance schedule will depend on the manufacturer’s service requirements.
Who Is the Gosun Moonrider Electric Tractor Designed For?
GoSun is targeting the Moonrider 27 at owners of smaller agricultural and rural properties. The company identifies farms (especially organic farms), vineyards, homesteads, campuses, and estates among its target customers.
The 1 to 50 acre range puts the tractor in a market where owners may need a smaller tractor for regular property work without requiring the capacity of a large agricultural tractor.
Small farms
Small-scale farmers can use a compact tractor for mowing, tilling, spreading, and hauling. Battery operation can reduce the need for diesel fuel purchases. The organic farmer would appreciate that this electric tractor emits no smoke or emissions.
Vineyards
Vineyards often require tractors that can maneuver between rows and handle regular mowing and maintenance. The Moonrider 27’s compact dimensions and 4WD configuration could suit some vineyard operations.
Homesteads
Homesteaders can use compact tractors for land maintenance, material handling, mowing, and other recurring property tasks.
Estates and campuses
Large private properties, educational campuses, and similar sites can use compact tractors for grounds maintenance without relying on a diesel engine for every task.
FAQs
How much does the GoSun Moonrider cost?
The Moonrider 27 is listed at $19,995 with a 220V charger. GoSun is also advertising a $50 fully refundable reservation deposit.
How long can the GoSun Moonrider 27 run on one charge?
GoSun rates the 24 kWh battery for about 5 hours of operation. Actual runtime depends on workload, terrain, attachments, and operating conditions.
How long does the GoSun Moonrider 27 take to charge?
The 220V AC fast charger can charge the battery from 0% to 80% in about 2.5 hours, according to GoSun’s published specifications.
Does the Gosun Moonrider 27 have solar charging?
Yes. The tractor can be equipped with an optional 1,100-watt solar canopy. GoSun estimates that a full day of sunshine can add about 1.5 hours of additional runtime. GoSun can also provide a faster solar carport.
How much can the Gosun Moonrider 27 lift?
Its hydraulic three-point hitch has a rated lifting capacity of 1,653 pounds.
Does the Gosun Moonrider have Four Wheel Drive?
Yes. The Moonrider 27 uses a 4WD drivetrain.
What attachments can the GoSun Moonrider 27 use?
The tractor has a standard rear PTO rated at 540/540E and a hydraulic three-point hitch. These systems support common attachments such as mowers, tillers, blades, and spreaders.
When will the Gosun Moonrider be available?
GoSun expects deliveries to begin in early 2027. Buyers should confirm the latest production and delivery schedule.
Is the Gosun Moonrider suitable for a small farm?
The tractor is designed for farms, vineyards, homesteads, campuses, and estates in the 1 to 50 acre range. Suitability depends on the property’s workload, terrain, and required attachments.
