Solar Panels for Farms in Shetland
Specialist agricultural solar PV across Shetland and the wider Shetland Islands area, including Orkney, Faroe Islands, Caithness. MCS-certified, FETF grant-backed, fixed-price proposals within 7 working days.
Solar panels for farms across Shetland
At 60°N Shetland is the UK’s northernmost agricultural region. Crofts and sheep farms dominate the landscape, where electricity tariffs run well above mainland averages and energy security is a permanent concern. Solar plus battery is increasingly attractive for the long summer daylight window.
We deliver MCS-certified solar PV across Shetland for dairy, livestock, arable, poultry and mixed enterprises. Every project starts with half-hourly meter data analysis, a structural survey, and a fixed-price proposal — typically within 7 working days. Our installation teams cover Lerwick, Scalloway, Brae, Sandwick, Walls, and the wider Shetland Islands area.
Local challenges we plan around
- Extreme wind loading - Shetland sees 120mph+ gusts
- Shortest December daylight of any UK region
- Shipping logistics via NorthLink or Sumburgh
- ANM / export curtailment on larger systems
- Limited local installer capacity - we fly teams in
Seasonal and irradiance profile
Shetland gets 19+ hours of daylight in June but less than 6 in December. Systems are designed around summer harvest generation and always paired with substantial battery storage to even out seasonal swings.
Recent Shetland installations
A sheep croft near Lerwick combined a 15kW roof array, 30kWh battery and diesel back-up, cutting imported power use by 60% over a full year and eliminating summer diesel generator running.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worthwhile this far north?
For self-consumption with battery storage, yes. The economics rely on displacing expensive retail tariffs and diesel generation, not export income.
Can you install solar on a Shetland croft?
Yes - we have delivered projects as far north as Unst. Logistics are planned around NorthLink sailings and local weather windows.
Get a Shetland farm solar quote
Free desk-based feasibility from your half-hourly meter data. Fixed-price quote within 7 working days. We cover Lerwick, Scalloway, Brae, Sandwick and the wider Shetland Islands area.
Postcodes covered in Shetland
- ZE1
Other areas we cover
Shetland farm solar — frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost for a farm in Shetland?
Agricultural solar in Shetland costs £600–£900 per kWp installed gross — about £360–£540 per kWp net after FETF and 100% AIA. Most Shetland Islands farms install 50–250 kWp systems (£35,000–£175,000 gross / £19,000–£105,000 net). A typical 100 kWp barn-roof system runs £60,000–£75,000 gross, £36,000–£45,000 net.
What grants are available for farm solar in Shetland?
Scottish farms access CARES interest-free loans of up to £150,000 plus SRDP Sustainable Production support, both stacking with the 100% Annual Investment Allowance against your profits.
What is the payback period on farm solar in Shetland?
Most Shetland farm solar systems pay back in 1.6–2.6 years after FETF and 100% AIA. Dairy and poultry units — with high 24/7 electricity demand — sit at the fast end (1.6–2.0 years); seasonal arable holdings sit toward 2.2–2.6 years. After payback every kWh generated is effectively free for the remaining 20+ years of the system's life.
Do I need planning permission for farm solar in Shetland?
Roof-mounted solar on existing agricultural buildings in Shetland is generally permitted development, so no full planning application is required. Ground-mount arrays, listed buildings, conservation areas and AONB-visible sites may need consent — we handle the Shetland Islands Local Authority application as part of every quote.
Which Shetland postcodes do you cover for farm solar?
We cover every Shetland Islands postcode, including ZE1. Our installation teams reach all of Shetland and the surrounding area (Orkney, Faroe Islands, Caithness), with a free desk feasibility turned around in 3 working days.