Why sheep farms are ideal candidates for solar
Sheep farming might seem less energy-intensive than other livestock operations, but modern sheep farming involves more electrical systems than many people realize. From water pumping systems that ensure your flocks have access to clean water across extensive grazing areas, to shearing shed equipment, wool storage facilities, and handling system lighting, your energy needs are both diverse and essential. The unique opportunity for sheep farmers lies in the concept of agrivoltaics – the practice of combining solar energy generation with grazing land. Your sheep can actually graze beneath ground-mounted solar panels, creating a symbiotic relationship where the land serves dual purposes: generating clean energy and supporting your livestock. This dual land use is revolutionary for sheep farming. Instead of choosing between energy generation and grazing, you can have both. The solar panels provide shade for your sheep during hot weather, while the sheep help maintain the grass beneath the panels, reducing maintenance costs for the solar installation. It’s a perfect example of how modern technology can enhance rather than replace traditional farming practices. For hill farmers and those with extensive grazing systems, solar installations can also power remote water pumping systems, electric fencing, and monitoring equipment. This is particularly valuable for farms where grid connection to remote fields would be expensive or impractical. The financial benefits extend beyond just energy savings. Many sheep farmers are finding that agrivoltaic systems provide a valuable additional income stream through energy export, while still maintaining their traditional farming operations. Some are earning more from energy generation than from sheep production, while still running successful flocks. The environmental benefits align perfectly with the sustainable image of sheep farming. Solar-powered sheep farms demonstrate environmental stewardship while maintaining traditional agricultural practices, appealing to consumers increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices.
What a typical sheep farms installation looks like
| Typical system size | 15–60 kW |
| Project value | £14k–£55k |
| Simple payback | 6 years |
| FETF grant eligible | Yes (up to 40% capital) |
| MCS certified | All installs |
Benefits for sheep farms
- Dual land use combining grazing with energy generation
- Shade provision for sheep during hot weather
- Power for remote water pumping and electric fencing systems
- Additional income stream through energy export
- Reduced maintenance costs through sheep grazing beneath panels
- Environmental stewardship and sustainability credentials
- Energy independence for remote farm locations
- Enhanced farm diversification and risk management
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 sheep farms
Most sheep farms 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 sheep 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 sheep farms install at a glance
- System size
- 15–60 kW
- Project value
- £14k–£55k
- 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