Commercial Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panels for Farms

Farms are at the heart of sustainability, and switching to renewable energy is a natural step forward. With solar panels for farms, you can harness the power of the sun to significantly reduce energy costs, create an additional income stream, and take a big step toward reducing your carbon footprint.

At Solar Panels for Farms, we specialize in helping agricultural businesses like yours embrace solar energy. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, power your operations, or generate extra revenue, our tailored solar solutions make it easy to reap the rewards of renewable energy.

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The Benefits of Solar Panels for Farms

Farms are uniquely suited to benefit from solar energy, thanks to large roof spaces, open land, and high energy needs. Here’s why solar panels are a perfect match for your agricultural business:

 

Produce Green Energy

Farming can be energy-intensive, from powering machinery to running refrigeration units. Solar panels can provide free electricity during the day, helping you save thousands on energy bills annually.

Make Real Cost Savings

With government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can sell surplus energy generated by your solar panels back to the grid, earning a steady income while reducing energy waste.

Join the Solar Community

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in agriculture. Solar panels help farms reduce reliance on fossil fuels, positioning your business as an environmental leader in your community.

Enjoy Warranty Protection

With energy prices constantly rising, solar panels offer price stability and long-term savings. It’s an investment that pays for itself over time and keeps benefiting you for decades.

How Much Do Solar Panels for Farms Cost?

The cost of solar panel systems for farms can vary depending on the size of your installation and energy needs:

  • Small Farms (20kW – 50kW): From £15,000 to £50,000
  • Medium Farms (50kW – 100kW): From £50,000 to £80,000
  • Large Farms (100kW – 250kW+): £80,000 and above

While the upfront costs may seem significant, most farms see a full return on investment within 5-7 years through energy savings and income from surplus energy. We also offer advice on financing options and grants to make your transition to solar energy more affordable.

Why Choose Solar Panels for Farms?

We understand that every farm is unique, and so are its energy needs. Here’s why hundreds of farmers trust us to deliver their renewable energy solutions:

  • Specialists in Agricultural Solar: We focus exclusively on solar panels for farms, ensuring every system is optimized for agricultural use.
  • Bespoke Designs: We design tailored solutions that align with your energy usage, roof space, and available land.
  • High-Quality Equipment: We only use premium panels and inverters, ensuring your system performs reliably for decades.
  • End-to-End Service: From consultation and design to installation and maintenance, we handle everything.
  • Proven Results: Our installations have helped farms save thousands annually while reducing their carbon emissions.

Case Studies: Real Farms, Real Results

Dairy Farm in Yorkshire

A 50kW roof-mounted system was installed on the dairy’s barn roof, saving the farm £8,000 per year on electricity. Excess energy generated is sold back to the grid, generating an additional £1,500 annually.

Arable Farm in Devon

This 150kW ground-mounted system powers irrigation systems and storage facilities, meeting 75% of the farm’s electricity needs. The farm reduced its carbon emissions by over 50 tonnes per year.

Poultry Farm in Sussex

With a 250kW system spread across multiple barn roofs, this farm generates enough energy to power its operations and export surplus energy to the grid, earning £10,000 annually in SEG payments.

Dairy Farm in Lincolnshire

System Size: 60kW
Result: This dairy farm reduced its electricity bills by £9,000 annually while generating £2,000 in SEG income. The system powers milking machines and refrigeration units, significantly lowering operational costs.

Poultry Farm in Kent

System Size: 150kW (Ground-Mounted)
Result: By installing a ground-mounted solar system, this poultry farm now produces 75% of its energy needs, saving over £20,000 annually and earning an additional £5,000 through SEG.

Arable Farm in the Cotswolds

System Size: 200kW
Result: This farm powers irrigation pumps and machinery with solar energy while exporting surplus energy to the grid. The farm saves £15,000 annually on energy bills and earns £8,000 through SEG payments.

Additional Benefits of solar panels for farms

1. Significant Cost Savings

Farms are energy-intensive, with equipment like milking machines, irrigation systems, cold storage units, and heating systems consuming large amounts of electricity. Solar panels allow you to generate free electricity during the day, cutting your reliance on the grid and slashing your energy bills.

2. Generate a New Income Stream

Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can earn money by selling unused electricity back to the grid. Many farms generate thousands of pounds annually, making solar panels a profitable investment.

3. Reduce Carbon Footprint

The agricultural industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Solar panels help your farm meet environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning your business as a sustainability leader.

4. Energy Security

With energy prices fluctuating, solar panels provide a stable and predictable energy source. Adding battery storage allows you to store surplus energy for use during peak demand or cloudy days.

5. Utilize Unused Space

Farms often have ample roof space on barns, stables, and outbuildings, as well as open land suitable for ground-mounted solar panels. This makes it easy to install solar systems without impacting your operations.

How Much Can You Earn with Solar Panels for Farms?

The income potential from solar panels depends on your system’s size and the amount of surplus energy you export. Here’s an example of what farms can earn:

  • A 50kW system can generate approximately £1,500–£2,500 annually through SEG payments.
  • A 100kW system can earn around £3,000–£5,000 per year.
  • Larger systems, such as 250kW setups, can bring in over £10,000 annually in SEG payments.

In addition to SEG earnings, you’ll save significantly on energy costs—often reducing bills by 50-70%. This combination of savings and income ensures that most farms see a full return on investment within 5-7 years.

Your Questions About Commercial Solar Panel Installation, Answered

Commercial solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The electricity generated can be used to power your business operations, and any excess can be stored in batteries or exported back to the grid. It’s a seamless way to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources while saving money.

Absolutely. Despite the UK’s unpredictable weather, modern solar panels are highly efficient and can generate electricity even on cloudy days. The financial savings on energy bills, combined with government incentives and tax breaks, make solar panels a cost-effective and sustainable solution for UK businesses.

The savings depend on the size of your system and your energy usage. On average, UK businesses save between 20% and 70% on their electricity bills. Over the 25+ year lifespan of a solar system, this can amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Solar panels are versatile and suitable for a wide range of businesses, including:

  • Retail Stores: Reduce operating costs and reinvest savings into growth.
  • Factories: Power heavy machinery and equipment with renewable energy.
  • Farms: Offset energy usage for irrigation, milking systems, and storage.
  • Offices: Lower electricity bills while enhancing your sustainability credentials.
  • Schools: Teach the next generation about clean energy while reducing operational costs.

If your business has unused roof space or land, you’re a great candidate for solar panels.

The return on investment (ROI) for solar panels is impressive. Most businesses recoup their installation costs within 5-8 years. With government incentives and long-term energy savings, the ROI can be over 300% across the system’s lifespan.

The installation process for a standard commercial solar system typically takes 1-2 weeks. However, larger systems may take longer, depending on the complexity of the project. We aim to minimize disruption to your operations and ensure a smooth installation.

Yes, it’s possible for solar panels to meet all your energy needs, depending on your energy usage and the size of the system installed. For businesses with higher energy demands, pairing solar panels with battery storage ensures a steady supply of power, even during peak hours or at night.

If your solar system generates more electricity than your business consumes, the excess energy can be exported back to the grid. Under the UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can even earn money for this surplus energy.

Not at all. Solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance. Cleaning them occasionally to remove dirt and debris is typically all that’s needed to maintain efficiency. Many installers, including us, offer monitoring and maintenance services to ensure your system operates at peak performance.

Yes, there are several financing options available, including:

  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Pay only for the energy you use, with no upfront costs.
  • Leasing: Spread the cost of installation over time.
  • Loans: Access competitive interest rates to finance your solar system.

We’ll guide you through the options and help you choose the best solution for your business.

Yes! Solar panels make your property more attractive to buyers and tenants by lowering operational costs and showcasing a commitment to sustainability. This added value can be a great long-term benefit for your business.

It’s simple! Start by booking a free consultation with us. We’ll evaluate your energy needs, assess your property, and provide a tailored solar solution. From design to installation and ongoing support, we’ll be with you every step of the way.