The farming and agricultural sector demands significant energy resources. It makes sense, with equipment for managing land, livestock, and more needing ample fuel and electricity to keep operating through all seasons.
These spaces, however, have a big advantage: Prime spaces for solar panels. With extensive roof space and available land, solar energy can be integrated on-site with little loss in workable areas.
Such installations can effectively lower energy bills and reduce reliance on the National Grid, rendering solar panel systems highly advantageous for this sector and others with large spaces available, such as warehouses and factories. Plus, with DEFRA’s solar grant for farmers, there’s never been a better time to embrace solar power.
You can spread the cost over a fixed period of between 3-10 years and then own the system at the end of the agreed period.
If you have the capital or access to finance you can purchase the system and own it straightaway. For those with the ability to use this option they usually see the best returns from their system in the long run.
Solar installations for farms and agricultural businesses could qualify for capital allowances, reducing your taxable profit in the year you install your system. Under HMRC rules you could qualify for full expensing of your new solar system or the annual investment allowance.
It’s worth checking with your accountant if either of these options are open to you.
Most farms and agricultural sector environments can use either roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panel systems. Which is best for you will depend on any roof conditions, available land, planning considerations and how your energy use is distributed across your site.
Mounting solar panels for farms on existing buildings (sheds, barns, stables or storage buildings) is typically the most cost-effective starting point. You can use roof space that’s already available and leave your land untouched.
Roof-mounted solar panels typically don’t need planning permission as long as the project meets permitted development requirements.
If your farm has fallow fields or unused land, ground-mounted solar systems can give you larger capacity to create energy than installing panels on roofs alone could. They’re particularly good for farms and agricultural environments where there are no suitable roofs, or where energy requirements are larger than you could get from roof installations.
From a planning perspective, ground-mounted solar systems are more likely to need planning permission, especially larger ones, which is something we can assess during your initial consultation.
You don’t have to worry about installing solar panels resulting in your losing grazing land. Solar arrays can be installed at a height and with spacing that allows your livestock to graze beneath or between panels safely, and without compromising your system.
Generate your own electricity and cut reliance on unpredictable energy prices.
Every kilowatt-hour you can produce yourself is less you have to spend.
Protection against unpredictable energy costs with your solar generation costs fixed for the life of the system.
Redundant buildings or land can be brought back into use to create a return as part of your energy infrastructure.
Up to 25 years of reliable energy generation and fixed energy costs with panel warranties and designs that protect your solar panels in the long-term.
Additional revenue streams from surplus energy production that you can sell back to the grid through the smart export guarantee.
Monetise your unused roof space without affecting operations
Reduce your carbon footprint and satisfy growing requirements in supply chains for sustainability credentials.
Agricultural solar projects are not the same as commercial projects. Distances between buildings are longer, roof structures are more varied, energy demands shift with the seasons and livestock buildings have specific requirements that some solar installers can overlook.
Cornerstone Group’s farm installations are designed around your specific requirements. Every project starts with a site assessment that provides an accurate picture of what’s possible and what your best option is.
And all infrastructure is designed for your farm’s actual situation and operational needs.
Working with us you get a single point of contact for the entire project with everything done to work around your day-to-day operations. The result is a farm or agricultural solar system that works the way you need it to.
Cornerstone Group has been working with farmers and agricultural land owners for decades, helping them reduce energy costs and make more money from their land.
If you want to know more about how installing solar panels on your farm or agricultural land works and how you could benefit, get in touch with us today.
We can guide you through the process, find out more about your current situation and goals and arrange a time to visit your site for a thorough assessment.
How long until my farm’s solar panels will pay back?
Farms typically see a payback within 2-4 years of the initial installation with the exact period depending on the size and complexity of your desired system, your current energy usage and grid import costs.
How long does a farm solar installation cost?
Your costs will vary based on your specific requirements. Our free site assessment can give you a more accurate picture of costs and what kind of ROI you can expect to achieve.
Can solar power handle welfare-critical farm systems?
Yes your solar system will be able to handle ventilation, refrigeration and other welfare-critical power loads. We design your system with these things in mind to make sure you get an installation that works for you.
20 Swan Street
Manchester
M4 5JW
330 Fouroaks Road,
Walton Summit
PR5 8AP