Battery Storage for Farm Solar Systems
Unlock the full potential of your farm solar panels. Store energy for when you need it most, reduce costs further, and protect critical operations from power outages.
Why Farms Choose Battery Storage
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight, but many farm operations run into the evening and night. Battery storage bridges this gap, maximizing your solar investment.
Maximize Self-Consumption
Store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during evening milking, feeding routines, or overnight operations. Reduce grid dependency by up to 80%.
Peak Shaving
Avoid expensive peak-time electricity rates by using stored energy during high-tariff periods. Save an additional 15-30% on energy costs compared to solar alone.
Backup Power
Keep critical farm operations running during power cuts. Protect refrigeration, milking equipment, ventilation systems, and automated feeding from grid failures.
Increased Solar ROI
Improve overall system return on investment by 15-25%. Battery storage ensures you use every kilowatt-hour you generate rather than exporting at lower rates.
Grid Services Income
Participate in grid balancing programs and earn additional income by providing stability services to the national grid during peak demand periods.
Future-Proof Investment
Prepare for electric vehicle fleets, heat pumps, and expansion of operations. Battery systems are modular and can grow with your farm's evolving needs.
The Energy Storage Opportunity
UK electricity prices are typically 2-3x higher during evening peak hours (5pm-8pm) than off-peak. By storing cheap daytime solar energy and using it during these expensive periods, batteries can save farms £2,000-£10,000 annually beyond solar savings alone.
Battery System Sizing Guide
10-20 kWh
Small farms with modest evening loads
Typical Applications:
- •Basic farm operations
- •Lighting and security
- •Small cooling systems
30-50 kWh
Medium dairy or livestock farms
Typical Applications:
- •Milking equipment
- •Milk cooling
- •Automated feeding
- •Ventilation systems
75-150 kWh
Large mixed or intensive operations
Typical Applications:
- •Large-scale cooling
- •Grain drying
- •Processing facilities
- •Multiple buildings
200+ kWh
Commercial farms and food processing
Typical Applications:
- •Industrial processing
- •Cold storage facilities
- •Large poultry operations
- •Packing facilities
Battery Technology Comparison
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
Advantages
- ✓Longest lifespan (12-15 years)
- ✓Safest chemistry
- ✓Consistent performance
- ✓Low maintenance
Considerations
- •Higher upfront cost
- •Slightly lower energy density
Best For:
Farms prioritizing longevity and safety - most popular choice for agricultural applications
Lithium NMC
Advantages
- ✓High energy density
- ✓Competitive pricing
- ✓Proven technology
- ✓Good efficiency
Considerations
- •Shorter lifespan (8-10 years)
- •Requires thermal management
Best For:
Budget-conscious installations with moderate daily cycling
Sodium-Ion (Emerging)
Advantages
- ✓Lower material costs
- ✓Abundant resources
- ✓Good low-temperature performance
- ✓Environmentally friendly
Considerations
- •Lower energy density
- •Newer technology
- •Limited suppliers
Best For:
Future consideration as technology matures - watch this space
Real Farm Success Stories
Dairy Farm - Evening Milking
The Challenge
High electricity costs from milking and cooling during evening peak hours
Our Solution
50 kWh battery system storing daytime solar for evening use
Results Achieved
£3,500 annual savings, 35% reduced peak-time grid consumption, backup power for critical cooling systems
Poultry Farm - Ventilation & Heating
The Challenge
24/7 ventilation requirements and overnight heating in winter
Our Solution
100 kWh battery with 250 kW solar array
Results Achieved
90% energy independence, £8,000 annual savings, complete protection from power outages preventing livestock loss
Arable Farm - Grain Drying
The Challenge
Intensive seasonal electricity demand for grain drying
Our Solution
75 kWh battery with smart control system
Results Achieved
Shifted 70% of drying load to off-peak periods, £4,200 annual savings, faster payback on solar investment
Market Garden - Cold Storage
The Challenge
Consistent refrigeration with evening packing operations
Our Solution
30 kWh battery providing 24-hour coverage
Results Achieved
Self-sufficient cold storage, eliminated refrigeration failures, improved produce quality
Installation & Integration
New Solar + Battery Systems
Installing batteries with your solar panels from the start is the most cost-effective approach. We design the entire system holistically, ensuring optimal integration and performance.
- ✓Single installation reduces costs by 15-20%
- ✓Optimized system configuration
- ✓Single warranty covering entire system
- ✓Reduced installation disruption
Retrofit Battery Addition
Already have solar panels? We can add battery storage to most existing systems, immediately improving your energy independence and savings.
- ✓Compatible with most inverter brands
- ✓Quick installation (1-2 days typically)
- ✓AC or DC coupling options available
- ✓Immediate improvement to system ROI
Frequently Asked Questions
Assess Your Battery Storage Needs
Every farm has unique energy patterns. Our battery sizing service analyzes your consumption, solar generation, and operational requirements to recommend the perfect storage solution.
- Free energy audit and load profiling
- Detailed ROI calculations with batteries
- Backup power configuration planning
- Technology recommendations for your needs