Why equestrian centres are ideal candidates for solar
Equestrian centres and horse farms face unique energy challenges that make solar an ideal solution. From powering indoor arenas with high-intensity lighting to running stable heating, ventilation systems, and water heating for horse washing facilities, electricity costs can quickly mount. Many equestrian operations also run on-site accommodation, cafes, and event facilities that add further to energy demands. The large roof areas of indoor riding arenas and stable blocks provide exceptional surfaces for solar panel installation. These buildings are often purpose-built with strong structural frameworks capable of supporting solar arrays without modification. A typical indoor arena roof can accommodate a 50-100kW system, generating enough electricity to power the entire facility during daylight hours. Equestrian businesses increasingly need to demonstrate environmental credentials to attract clients and secure planning permission for new facilities. Solar panels visibly demonstrate a commitment to sustainability that resonates with environmentally conscious horse owners. Many equestrian centres report that solar installation has become a selling point for livery clients and competition venues. The seasonal alignment works well for equestrian operations. Summer months when arena lighting is less needed coincide with peak solar generation, allowing excess electricity to be exported for income. During winter when lighting demands increase, battery storage systems ensure consistent power supply for early morning and evening riding sessions. For equestrian centres with extensive grounds, ground-mounted solar arrays can utilize paddock margins and unused land without affecting grazing areas. Some operations combine solar panels with horse-safe fencing, creating dual-purpose infrastructure that generates income while maintaining property boundaries.
What a typical equestrian centres installation looks like
| Typical system size | 15–80 kW |
| Project value | £14k–£70k |
| Simple payback | 6 years |
| FETF grant eligible | Yes (up to 40% capital) |
| MCS certified | All installs |
Benefits for equestrian centres
- Power indoor arenas and stable lighting cost-effectively
- Large arena and stable roofs ideal for solar installation
- Reduce energy costs for water heating and ventilation
- Demonstrate sustainability to attract livery clients
- Battery backup for critical stable systems
- Ground-mounted options for unused paddock areas
- Additional income through energy export
- Protection against rising energy costs
Grants and finance
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is the primary capital grant route for agricultural solar in England, covering up to 40% of installation cost on eligible systems. Welsh Government Farm Business Grant, Scottish CARES loans, and Northern Ireland’s Farm Energy Efficiency Scheme are equivalent routes in the devolved nations. Capital allowances let you write down 100% of the residual investment against profits in year one under the Annual Investment Allowance (£1m cap).
For zero-upfront installs, we offer Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) finance where you pay only for the electricity generated at a rate well below your current grid tariff. Asset finance arrangements over 5–10 years are also widely available for farms with strong cash flow.
Compliance and structural points specific to equestrian centres
Most equestrian centres solar projects use permitted development rights under Class A or Class B of Schedule 2 of the GPDO, provided the system is below 1 MW and on existing agricultural buildings. Listed buildings, conservation areas, AONBs and National Parks require full planning. We handle every application — typical determination 6–8 weeks.
Structural surveys check purlin spacing, rafter capacity and roof sheet condition before any install. Asbestos cement roofing — still common on older sheds — is replaced as part of the project (licensed removal included). Three-phase supply upgrades are handled with the local DNO (UKPN, NGED, SSEN, SP Energy Networks or Northern Powergrid).
Get a quote for solar on your equestrian centres farm
Free desk-based feasibility from your half-hourly meter data. Fixed-price proposal within 7 working days. We cover England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from regional installation hubs.
Typical equestrian centres install at a glance
- System size
- 15–80 kW
- Project value
- £14k–£70k
- Simple payback
- 6 years
- Grants
- FETF / Welsh FBG / Scottish CARES eligible
Common questions
How much do solar panels for a farm cost in the UK?
Dairy and livestock parlour installs (30–250 kW): £32,000–£225,000. Arable rooftop installs (50–500 kW): £45,000–£500,000. Ground-mount agrivoltaic schemes (500 kW–10 MW): £350,000–£8m+. Cost per kW is typically £750–£1,000 for rooftop above 100 kW, £600–£800/kW for ground-mount above 500 kW.
What's the payback for a dairy farm solar install?
5–6 years. Dairy farms have outstanding self-consumption (24/7 milk cooling, parlour pumps, lighting) — often 90%+ of generation is consumed on site. Combined with 100% AIA tax relief, dairy installs sit alongside cold-chain warehouses as the fastest-payback segment in UK commercial solar.
Can we install solar on asbestos cement farm roofs?
No — asbestos cement roofs must be replaced first. The most common solution is a combined re-roof + PV install where the PV business case partially funds the re-roof. CAR 2012 governs asbestos handling — only licensed contractors can remove asbestos cement. Most modern installs sit on profiled steel re-clads.
What about agrivoltaics — solar above crops or grazing?
Agrivoltaics is emerging quickly in the UK. Sheep grazing under elevated panels is well-established. Crops (typically shade-tolerant: leafy greens, soft fruit, hops) under translucent panels is showing promising trial results. Defra and NFU are engaged. SFI 2025 is expected to add specific agrivoltaic compatibility actions.
What grants are available for farm solar?
100% AIA tax relief is universal. SFI actions support agrivoltaic schemes and biodiversity-stacked installs. Farming Investment Fund occasionally relevant. Welsh and Scottish farms have their own devolved schemes with often-higher intervention rates. SEG provides ongoing export income.
Do tenant farmers need landlord consent?
Yes — for any structural alteration to buildings or land use change. Most institutional landlords (Crown Estate, Church Commissioners, Wellcome Trust, county councils) have standard tenant-PV addenda. Private landlords vary. We provide the lease addendum template. Some landlords prefer to fund directly with a service-charge recovery from the tenant.
Related pillar pages
- • Farm solar pricing 2026 — by system size
- • How much do solar panels cost on a farm? Full breakdown
- • UK farm solar grants 2026 — FETF, FBG, CARES, DAERA
- • 2026 grant application calendar
- • Finance options — capex, asset finance, PPA
- • How to choose an agricultural solar installer
- • Farm solar maintenance after installation
- • Farm solar glossary A–Z
- • Real installation case studies