With rising electricity prices continuing to affect the agricultural sector, many farmers are looking for practical ways to reduce their running costs. One option that’s becoming increasingly popular is commercial solar.
Whether you run a dairy farm, poultry unit, livestock farm or arable business, generating your own electricity could help reduce your reliance on the grid and make better use of existing roof space.
Why are more farms choosing solar?
Many farm buildings have large, unshaded roofs that are ideal for solar panels. Unlike homes, farms often use a significant amount of electricity during the day, which means much of the electricity generated by a solar PV system can be used straight away.
Common uses for electricity on farms include:
- Milking parlours
- Bulk milk tanks
- Grain drying
- Poultry sheds
- Livestock buildings
- Refrigeration
- Workshops
- General farm operations
The more electricity you can use as it’s being generated, the greater the potential benefit.
Is my farm suitable for solar?
Every farm is different, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
When we visit a farm, we look at several factors, including:
- The size and condition of your roofs
- How much electricity your farm uses
- When you use the most electricity
- The direction and pitch of your buildings
- Any future plans for expansion
This allows us to design a system that suits your farm rather than recommending a standard package.
Can battery storage help?
Battery storage isn’t essential for every farm, but it can be a useful addition in the right circumstances.
A battery stores surplus electricity generated during the day so it can be used later, such as during the evening or overnight when your solar panels are no longer producing electricity.
Whether battery storage is worthwhile depends on how and when your farm uses electricity.
How much could a farm save?
Every system is different, so savings vary from one farm to another.
The amount you could save depends on factors including:
- Your annual electricity consumption
- The size of the solar PV system
- How much of the electricity you use yourself
- Future electricity prices
Following a survey, we can provide an estimate based on your own buildings and energy usage, giving you a clearer picture of what a solar system could achieve for your farm.
What happens during a farm solar survey?
Our surveys are free and carried out with no obligation.
During the visit we’ll:
- Assess your farm buildings
- Discuss your current electricity usage
- Answer any questions you have
- Explain whether solar is likely to be suitable
- Provide practical, honest advice
If solar isn’t the right solution for your farm, we’ll tell you.
Thinking about solar for your farm?
Commercial solar isn’t about having the biggest system possible. It’s about designing a system that works for your farm, your electricity usage and your future plans.
If you’d like to find out whether solar could benefit your farm, we’d be happy to arrange a free, no-obligation survey.
Book your free Farm Solar Survey today and discover whether commercial solar could help reduce your farm’s electricity costs.
